US PACOM Chief Meets Andaman & Nicobar Chief to Boost Defence Ties
Admiral Samuel Paparo meets Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty to discuss strengthening India-US defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
In a significant move to strengthen strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, United States Pacific Command (PACOM) commander Admiral Samuel Paparo met with Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command. The high-level meeting focused on deepening the bilateral defence partnership between India and the United States.
Deepening Indo-Pacific Strategic Partnership
The meeting, announced by the US Embassy in India via a post on X, underscores the growing momentum of the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership. Admiral Paparo, who is currently en route to Japan, engaged with Vice Admiral McCarty to discuss continued cooperation between the defense forces of both nations. The discussions aimed at fostering a safer and more secure Indo-Pacific region through enhanced military ties.
Admiral Paparo, who leads America's largest and oldest geographic combatant command—overseeing roughly 400,000 military and civilian personnel across half the globe—arrived in New Delhi last week for an official visit aimed at expanding strategic cooperation and exchanging perspectives on global developments.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagements in New Delhi
The Admiral's visit included several key diplomatic and military interactions in the national capital:
- Strategic Discussions: Admiral Paparo held talks with senior Indian defence officials to explore ways to expand strategic cooperation and exchange views on regional security.
- Meeting with Defence Secretary: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met with the Admiral to discuss strengthening India-US defence and strategic cooperation, as well as addressing various regional and global issues.
- Diplomatic Hosting: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor hosted Admiral Paparo at Roosevelt House during his visit, which spanned from October 5 to October 8, as part of the broader effort to advance the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership.
The series of meetings highlights the intensifying collaboration between the two nations as they work toward shared security goals in an increasingly complex global landscape.