India and the US military leaders on Thursday (March 12, 2026) met and discussed key Indo-Pacific security issues, apart from finding ways to grow the bilateral defence partnership between the two nations.
The US Army’s Pacific Deputy Commanding General, Lieutenant General Joel B. Vowell, met the Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi when the two sides discussed programmes that could help in strengthening the military relations between the two forces.
They also discussed regional security issues, particularly in their common area of interest in the Indo-Pacific region, including joint military exercises and new avenues of military-to-military engagement to deepen the cooperation between the two forces in various domains, the Indian Army’s X handle posted.
“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,” it said.
“The meeting reaffirmed the growing strategic convergence and shared commitment of both armies towards addressing emerging security challenges,” it added.
Earlier, Lt Gen Vowell met with the Indian Army’s Vice Chief, Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh, to discuss avenues for further cooperation between the two armies and issues of common interest.
“Both sides explore opportunities for deeper cooperation 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 Indian Army X handle said.
The American General also met with India’s Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit. In a social media post, the Headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff said the meeting was aimed at advancing discussions on the India-US Major Defence Partnership, reaffirmed by the leadership of both nations.
During the deliberations, the officers discussed sharing best practices in cybersecurity, exploring new avenues of engagement, and strengthening military-to-military cooperation across space, maritime, and regional security domains.
The two sides also highlighted the importance of bilateral exercises in exchanging operational insights and enhancing mutual learning between the armed forces of the two countries.
Meanwhile, the India-US special forces exercise Vaja Prahar 2026 is currently progressing its 21-day 16th edition at the Indian Special Forces Training School at Bakloh in Himachal Pradesh from February 24, 2026. The exercise will end on March 16.
“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 mountain terrain,” the Indian Army said in another X post.
“Through intensive and realistic training scenarios, both contingents will further strengthen mutual trust and operational synergy,” it added.
The Indian Ministry of Defence said the army contingent participating in the joint exercise with the US counterparts included 45 personnel each.