US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, visited the Indian Army’s Western Command headquarters on Monday (16), signaling continued momentum in defense ties between the United States and India.
The US delegation traveled to Chandimandir in Haryana’s Panchkula district, where they held extensive discussions with Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, who leads the Western Command. The meeting centered on security developments along India’s Western Front and broader regional strategic trends.
In a statement posted on X, the Western Command said the visiting officials received a comprehensive briefing on operational readiness, the command’s historical legacy, and the conduct of Operation Sindoor. The briefing also outlined the Indian Army’s contributions to national development initiatives and its role in promoting regional stability.
Ambassador Gor described the visit as productive and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to strengthening military cooperation with New Delhi. “Our joint efforts are key to a safe Indo-Pacific,” he wrote on X, thanking Lt. Gen. Katiyar for hosting the delegation. He added that the US-India defense partnership continues to grow stronger as both countries expand coordination across multiple domains.
Admiral Paparo’s trip follows a series of high-level engagements aimed at enhancing interoperability and defense collaboration. Speaking to a small group of journalists in New Delhi on Sunday (15), Paparo said the relationship between the two militaries reflects a shared vision of maintaining peace through strength.
He noted that the United States and India have a clear convergence of interests, particularly in safeguarding maritime routes and ensuring a stable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. Paparo also praised the Indian armed forces for exercising restraint during Operation Sindoor, describing it as consistent with a responsible approach to regional security.
According to Paparo, the defense partnership between the two nations is on a sharply rising path, with additional opportunities for cooperation in the maritime sphere and other strategic areas. As geopolitical challenges evolve, officials from both sides have indicated that closer military engagement will remain a central pillar of the broader US-India strategic relationship.
