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US Army Secretary Meets Indian COAS to Deepen Defence Ties, Boost Military Engagement

US Secretary of the Army Daniel P Driscoll met with Indian Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi to discuss deepening defence cooperation. The talks focused on strengthening military-to-military engagement and reinforcing a shared commitment to global security. This visit follows recent high-level military exchanges, including a trip by India's Naval Chief to the US to advance maritime partnership. The growing strategic alignment is further evidenced by recent US arms sales to India and the signing of a key defence framework agreement.

Key Points: US-India Defence Talks: Army Chiefs Discuss Cooperation & Security

  • High-level US-India military talks
  • Focus on bilateral defence cooperation
  • Review of maritime security plans
  • Recent US arms sale approvals
  • Strategic alignment via defence pacts
2 min read

US Secretary of Army Driscoll calls on COAS General Upendra Dwivedi, discusses deepening defence cooperation

US Secretary of the Army Daniel P Driscoll meets Indian COAS General Upendra Dwivedi to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and military engagement.

"The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral Defence Cooperation, deepening military-to-military engagement, and reinforcing the shared commitment of both armies to global peace and security. - Additional Directorate General, Indian Army"

New Delhi, January 25

Daniel P Driscoll, the US Secretary for Army, called on COAS General Upendra Dwivedi. They held discussions on deepening bilateral defence cooperation, and strengthening military engagement between New Delhi and Washington.

Sharing the details of the meeting in a post on X on Sunday, the Additional Directorate General of the Indian Army said, "Mr Daniel P Driscoll, US Secretary of the Army, called on General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral Defence Cooperation, deepening military-to-military engagement, and reinforcing the shared commitment of both armies to global peace and security."

The visit by the Secretary of Army comes as India and the United States see sustained momentum in defence ties.

In November last year, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi paid a visit to the United States, aimed at deepening the India-US maritime partnership and advancing shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region. The discussions focused on the core pillars of India-US defence cooperation.

Both sides reviewed plans to strengthen maritime security and domain awareness, expand operational interoperability, enhance information sharing, protect sea lines of communication and undersea infrastructure, and coordinate responses to humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, search and rescue, counter-piracy, and other non-traditional security challenges.

Earlier in November, the United States had also approved the sale of an FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missile system and the M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided artillery projectiles and associated equipment to India, with an estimated value of USD 47.1 million.

The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced the sale in a notification saying that the US State Department has approved the sale of USD 93 million worth of military equipment. The purchase includes 100 Javelin missiles, one fly-to-buy round, 25 command-launch units, training aids, simulation rounds, spare parts and full lifecycle support.

In October, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday exchanged an agreement on the framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership in Kuala Lumpur, marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral defence cooperation between the two nations.

The development came as the United States signed a 10-year Defence Framework Agreement with India, underscoring the growing strategic alignment between the two countries. Announcing the development, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the two nations' "defence ties have never been stronger."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While cooperation is good, we must ensure this doesn't compromise our relationship with traditional partners like Russia. A balanced foreign policy is key. Also, hope these deals come with significant technology transfer to boost our 'Make in India' defence sector.
R
Rohit P
Excellent news! The US is finally recognizing India as a major defence partner. The 10-year framework agreement is a big deal. Our armed forces deserve the best equipment to protect our borders and maritime interests.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, it's fascinating to see the India-US partnership evolve. Shared concerns in the Indo-Pacific are clearly driving this. The focus on maritime security and disaster response cooperation is very practical and beneficial for regional stability.
V
Vikram M
Good step, but the real test is in sustained implementation. We've had many agreements before. Hope this leads to actual joint production and not just India being a buyer. Atmanirbhar Bharat should be the ultimate goal.
K
Karthik V
The timing is interesting. With global tensions rising, a strong India-US axis is important for peace. The precision-guided artillery will be very useful for our forces in mountainous terrains. Jai Hind!

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