India reaffirms defence cooperation with US; engages with NATO Military Committee Chair on sidelines of Shangri-La Dialogue
Singapore, May 29
India and the United States on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region during high-level engagement on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue 2026 in Singapore. India also engaged with the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, NATO Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone.
During the engagement, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh held discussions with the Commander of the United States INDOPACOM (Indo-Pacific Command), Admiral Samuel J Paparo.
In a post on X, the Ministry of Defence said that," Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh interacted with Commander, US @INDOPACOM Admiral Samuel J Paparo on the sidelines of Shangri La Dialogue 2026 in Singapore."
The talks focused on "strengthening military-to-military cooperation, enhancing collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, and addressing emerging security challenges, reaffirming the shared commitment towards deepening #IndiaUS strategic defence ties."
India also highlighted its commitment to sustained strategic engagement with NATO during high-level interactions on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue 2026 in Singapore.
The Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh held discussions with the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, NATO Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, on evolving global and regional security challenges.
In a post on X, the Ministry of Defence said, "Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh interacted with Chair of the @NATO Military Committee Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone on the sidelines of #SLD26."
The exchange "focused on enhancing strategic dialogue and exchanging perspectives on evolving global security challenges. The interaction reaffirmed India's commitment to constructive engagement with key multilateral defence organisations."
Earlier, India, on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue 2026, also underscored its strategic priorities for a stable and secure Indo-Pacific through high-level diplomatic outreach and academic engagement.
In a post on X on Friday, the Ministry of Defence said that the Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh "engaged with leading think tanks and academia on strengthening the Indo-Pacific security architecture, defence industrial collaboration and emerging technology partnerships."
Addressing a distinguished gathering on "India's Defence Diplomacy for a Stable, Secure and Inclusive Indo Pacific", Singh shared "India's vision for regional security and strategic engagement."
According to the post, the engagement was also attended by the Indian High Commissioner to Singapore, Shilpak Ambule, highlighting the diplomatic significance of the engagement.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some strategic clarity! The Shangri-La Dialogue is the right platform for these talks. But I'm curious - what exactly are the "emerging security challenges" being addressed? Cyber threats? Space? Maritime security? The government should be more transparent with citizens on these deals.
As an American living in India, I find this partnership encouraging. The US and India share common values and interests in a free and open Indo-Pacific. But the real test will be implementation - talk is cheap, joint exercises and technology sharing matter more. Hope to see more substance than symbolism.
Engaging with NATO is a smart move, but I hope our defence secretary remembered to raise concerns about Pakistan's deep state and cross-border terrorism. 🤔 These dialogues should be two-way streets - we give strategic access, we want concrete support on Kashmir and security threats. No free lunches please! 🇮🇳
Defence diplomacy is good, but what about Make in India? I'm tired of seeing our defence budget go to foreign nations while HAL struggles. These partnership talks should include technology transfer and co-production agreements, not just "strategic dialogue". Let's build our own defence industry first, then talk alliances.
I appreciate the diplomatic outreach, but engaging think tanks and academia is just window dressing. We need to see concrete outcomes - joint patrols in the Indian Ocean, intelligence sharing on piracy and terrorism, and real military tech collaboration. Otherwise this is just another photo op.
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