Despite the recent tariff-related tensions between New Delhi and Washington, India and the United States are keeping their defence cooperation course steady, particularly at sea. Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), has embarked on an official visit to the United States from November 12 to 17, 2025.
The Navy Chief’s 6-day US visit is aimed at further strengthening the robust and enduring maritime partnership between the two navies, which is one of the core pillars of the India–US defence relationship. Indian Navy is also participating in the annual multi-nation maritime exercise Malabar, hosted by the US at Guam, one of its military bases in the western-part of the Pacific Ocean.
India-US naval ties: What on the agenda for CNS’ visit?
During the visit, Admiral Tripathi will hold discussions with senior officials of the US Department of War, and meet with Admiral Samuel J Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), and Admiral Stephen T Koehler, Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet (USPACFLT), among other senior naval leaders.
The talks are expected to review ongoing maritime cooperation, enhance operational linkages, and bolster information-sharing mechanisms and maritime domain awareness, which are all key components of the growing Indo–US naval synergy.
Expanding cooperation across the Indo-Pacific
Admiral Tripathi’s itinerary includes engagements with leading US naval institutions and operational commands, reflecting the broad scope of bilateral collaboration. Discussions will focus on shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific, cooperation under multilateral frameworks such as Milan and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), and the joint pursuit of maritime security and stability in the region.
Notably, the CNS’ visit comes even as trade relations between India and the United States have faced renewed friction over tariff and market access issues. Yet, the continuity of high-level naval engagement underscores a crucial point that strategic and security ties remain resilient and forward-looking, insulated from short-term economic disagreements.
Rooted in mutual trust and shared democratic values, the India–US maritime partnership continues to evolve as a cornerstone of regional stability. Admiral Tripathi’s visit reaffirms the Indian Navy’s commitment to working closely with its US counterpart in pursuit of a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.