Jaishankar meets U.S. Indo-Pacific commander Paparo, discusses maritime security
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday, October 4, 2026, held talks with Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, focusing on advancing the India–U.S. security partnership and strengthening maritime cooperation across the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor was also present at the meeting.
“Glad to meet Commander of the US Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo. Discussed advancing our security partnership and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific,” Mr. Jaishankar said in a post on X, sharing an image from the meeting.
Visit aimed at deepening defence cooperation
Admiral Paparo is on a five-day visit to India from October 3 to 8, part of Washington’s ongoing push to deepen military-to-military cooperation with New Delhi and to further the Major Defense Partnership between the two countries. His trip includes engagements with senior Indian military and government officials to review shared security priorities and to explore new avenues of collaboration.
Key areas on the agenda
During the visit, discussions are expected to cover a broad spectrum of defence and security issues, including digital transformation, emerging technologies, regional strategic stability, defence energy resilience, and the challenges posed by an increasingly competitive technology landscape. The emphasis on such themes reflects the expanding scope of India–U.S. cooperation, which increasingly extends beyond traditional military ties to encompass technology-driven capabilities and resilience across the defence ecosystem.
Strategic significance for the Indo-Pacific
The visit comes amid steadily growing cooperation between India and the United States across the Indo-Pacific, particularly in maritime security, domain awareness, emerging technologies, and military interoperability. The two countries have repeatedly underscored the importance of safeguarding a stable, rules-based order in the region and enhancing the ability of their armed forces to operate together across domains.
The continued focus on the maritime domain also aligns with ongoing coordination within the Quad — comprising India, the United States, Australia, and Japan — where key agenda items include maritime security, maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, advancing critical and emerging technologies, and strengthening regional resilience.
Statements and positioning
Washington has described its broader defence partnership with India as one designed to prepare both countries to address emerging security challenges, with cooperation ranging from maritime security to cutting-edge technologies. Admiral Paparo’s visit underscores this approach and reflects persistent U.S. engagement with India, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region, where India has increasingly positioned itself as a first responder and a key security partner.
The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command — often referred to by its historic moniker, the U.S. Pacific Command — oversees American military operations across the vast Indo-Pacific theatre and plays a central role in coordinating with regional partners on maritime security, strategic stability, and responses to evolving security dynamics.
What’s next
Through October 8, Admiral Paparo is expected to continue consultations with Indian counterparts, focusing on practical steps to expand operational coordination, deepen defence-industrial and technology linkages, and build resilience across shared security domains. These engagements are intended to translate strategic alignment into concrete measures that enhance interoperability and preparedness for emerging challenges.
The meeting between Mr. Jaishankar and Admiral Paparo highlights the sustained momentum in India–U.S. defence ties and the growing convergence on securing the Indo-Pacific maritime commons through enhanced cooperation, technology partnerships, and coordinated regional engagement.
