Admiral Paparo Discusses India-US Military Cooperation and Future Initiatives
Admiral Samuel J. Paparo from the US Indo-Pacific Command engaged with Indian leaders to discuss enhancing military cooperation and likely renewing a 10-year defense framework during his visit from March 16 to 19. His trip also involved participation in the Raisina Dialogue, aimed at fortifying the US-India strategic partnership through initiatives like COMPACT and collaboration among Quad nations.
Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, the commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, held significant discussions with high-ranking Indian officials this week, focusing on enhancing the military cooperation between India and the United States. Key meetings took place with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. These dialogues were aimed at the probable renewal of a 10-year defense framework.
The visit from March 16 to 19 primarily sought to bolster the comprehensive global strategic partnership between the two nations and coincided with the Raisina Dialogue, India’s preeminent conference on geopolitics. The American readout indicated that Admiral Paparo’s discussions significantly advanced the US-India initiative known as COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology) for the 21st Century.
Launched by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi in February, COMPACT aims to facilitate transformative changes across multiple sectors, including defense, trade, investment, energy, technology, and people-to-people connections. Notably, high-level defense and security officials from Quad nations—India, the US, Australia, and Japan—convened for substantial talks at the Raisina Dialogue.
The US readout emphasized, “The work throughout the Raisina Dialogue enhances the mutual understanding and alignment of goals as the US and India seek to renew a 10-year framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership that will propel cooperation through the next decade.”
The designation of India as a “Major Defence Partner” in 2016 by the United States allowed it to gain “Strategic Trade Authorization tier 1,” facilitating license-free access to a broad range of military and dual-use technologies. The major defense partnership is due for renewal next year.
During his visit to New Delhi, Admiral Paparo conferred with military leaders from Japan, the Philippines, Australia, France, and the United Kingdom. At the Raisina Dialogue, he participated in a panel on maritime security alongside military officials from partner nations, addressing the critical issue of threats to global trade and navigation through unstable regions.
Additionally, Admiral Paparo engaged in the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum event where future collaborations on strategic security and defense were discussed, including the incorporation of artificial intelligence in military operations. His itinerary also included a visit to Purana Qila, a historical monument that traces India’s rich past.
In conclusion, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo’s visit to India underscored the commitment to strengthening the military ties between the United States and India. The discussions centered on renewing a vital defense framework and advancing the strategic partnership through initiatives such as COMPACT. The collaboration among the Quad nations was also notably emphasized during the Raisina Dialogue, indicating a unified stance towards regional and global security challenges.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
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