Indian and American defence officials convened in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss key aspects of defence procurement and reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing the India-U.S. defence partnership. According to the Ministry of Defence, the discussions reflected the growing strategic importance of the bilateral relationship in security and military cooperation.
The meeting was held between U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for South and Southeast Asia, Dr. Andrew Byers, and India’s Joint Secretary for Maritime and Systems Acquisition, Dinesh Kumar. In a statement shared on X, the Ministry of Defence noted that both sides addressed procurement-related matters and emphasized their dedication to strengthening ties across the defence spectrum.
The talks come in the wake of recent comments by Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who highlighted that the India-U.S. defence partnership, anchored in foundational agreements, remains a central pillar of bilateral relations. He pointed out that cooperation has broadened into multiple domains and confirmed the expected arrival of a U.S. Defence Policy Team in mid-August.
As part of ongoing collaboration, the 21st edition of the joint military exercise “Yudh Abhyas” is scheduled to take place later this month in Alaska. In addition, both sides are preparing for the 2+2 Intersessional meeting at the working level, set to convene before the end of August. Jaiswal also clarified that the process of defence acquisition continues in accordance with established protocols.
This week’s dialogue builds on momentum from July, when senior defence officials from both nations met during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. That engagement focused on enhancing strategic cooperation, operational readiness, and regional security coordination in the Indo-Pacific. According to the Integrated Defence Staff, the conversations revolved around exploring future opportunities for joint operations and advancing efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.
The latest discussions underscore India and the United States’ growing alignment on defence matters, particularly in response to the evolving strategic dynamics of the Indo-Pacific. With procurement, joint exercises, and high-level dialogues on the agenda, both nations are poised to expand their partnership further in the months ahead.
