India, US hold Army-to-Army Talks in Hawaii, discuss ways to strengthen defence cooperation
Washington, June 6
India and the United States held the 29th edition of Army-to-Army Staff Talks in Hawaii, discussing ways to deepen bilateral defence cooperation while reaffirming their commitment to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
According to the Indian Army, the talks were co-chaired by Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (Strategy), and Lieutenant General Joel Vowell, Deputy Commanding General of US Army Pacific.
Sharing the details of the meeting on the social media platform X on Saturday, the Indian Army said, "The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, enhancing interoperability, expanding professional exchanges, and deepening military collaboration in support of shared security interests. Both sides appreciated the growing scope of Army-to-Army engagements and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India-US strategic partnership."
Last week, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh held a meeting with House Armed Services Committee Member Pat Harrigan, who led a bipartisan US Congressional Delegation (CODEL), in Singapore, with discussions centred on regional security, expanding defence cooperation, and advancing shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific.
In a post on social media platform X, the Ministry of Defence said, "The interaction reaffirmed the strength of the India-US defence partnership, with exchanges on regional security, expanding defence cooperation, and advancing shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific," it added.
Earlier on May 24, US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio held a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi, with talks focused on defence, security and strategic technology-related cooperation, including the TRUST initiative.
"US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio met NSA Shri Ajit Doval today. The discussions focused on defence, security and strategic technology-related cooperation, including the TRUST initiative," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a post on X following the meeting.
"The two NSAs reiterated the high priority accorded to the bilateral Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues," it added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Army-to-Army talks in Hawaii? Sounds like the strategic partnership is moving beyond just rhetoric. Interoperability exercises and joint training will definitely benefit our soldiers. Hope this translates into tangible technology transfers too.
While these talks are important, I feel we should also focus on indigenisation of defence manufacturing. 'Make in India' in defence sector needs more push. Relying too much on imports, even from friendly nations, isn't sustainable long-term. Just my two paise.
As someone who follows Indo-Pacific security closely, this is a positive step. The TRUST initiative and high-level meetings show both nations are serious about countering common challenges. However, implementation is where the rubber meets the road.
Interesting that these talks happened in Hawaii - symbolic of the Pacific pivot. But let's not forget our northern borders need equal attention. Defence cooperation is good, but internal security and border infrastructure should not be neglected.
Finally some concrete action on defence cooperation! The joint exercises and professional exchanges will help our Army learn modern warfare techniques. Proud to see India being taken seriously as a strategic partner. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
A Ashwin V The 29th edition of We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.