India, U.S. Army Leaders Discuss Indo-Pacific Security and Expanding Defense Cooperation
NEW DELHI — Senior military leaders from India and the United States met in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss regional security in the Indo-Pacific and explore ways to further strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries.
Lieutenant General Joel B. Vowell, Deputy Commanding General of United States Army Pacific (USARPAC), held talks with India’s Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi during the visit.
“Lieutenant General Joel B Vowell, Deputy Commanding General, United States Army Pacific (USARPAC), called on General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS and discussed avenues to further strengthen the India-US defence partnership,” the Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) said in a post on X.
“The interaction focused on regional security in the Indo-Pacific, enhancing interoperability through joint military exercises and exploring new avenues of engagement to deepen military-to-military cooperation across multiple domains. The meeting reaffirmed the growing strategic convergence and shared commitment of both armies towards addressing emerging security challenges,” it added.
Earlier in the day, Vowell also met with India’s Vice Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh to discuss additional opportunities to deepen cooperation between the two militaries.
“Lieutenant General Joel B Vowell, Deputy Commanding General, United States Army Pacific, met Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh, VCOAS, to discuss avenues for further strengthening India-US Army cooperation. The discussions focused on regional security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, expanding military-to-military engagement and enhancing interoperability through joint training and exercises. Both sides also explored opportunities for deeper collaboration across diverse operational domains. The interaction reflected the growing strategic partnership and shared commitment of the two armies towards promoting stability and security in the region,” the ADGPI stated.
The meetings come as both countries continue to expand joint military training programs. Last month, the 16th edition of the India-U.S. Joint Special Forces Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026 began in Himachal Pradesh.
The 21-day exercise, held at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh from February 24 to March 16, is designed to strengthen cooperation between elite units from both nations.
“The exercise aims to deepen Defence Cooperation, enhance interoperability and joint operational readiness and facilitate the exchange of advanced special operations tactics, techniques and procedures in mountainous terrain. Through intensive and realistic training scenarios, both contingents will further strengthen mutual trust and operational synergy,” the ADGPI said.
According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the Indian Army contingent includes 45 Special Forces personnel, while the United States is represented by 12 members of the U.S. Army Special Forces, commonly known as the Green Berets.
Officials said the exercise is expected to further strengthen interoperability, mutual trust and professional camaraderie between the special forces of both countries. (Source: IANS)
