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CAMP SMITH, Hawaii – Adm. John C. Aquilino, the commander for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, traveled to India this week to meet with senior government and defense officials to further strengthen our Major Defense Partnership with India.

“Our network of allies and partners are our greatest strength and a center of gravity in the Indo-Pacific,” Aquilino said. “Our relationship with India is based on aligned values and presents an important model for building enduring partnerships. As we increase interoperability, information-sharing, and access with allies and partners across the globe, this partnership enhances our capabilities, improves our coordination, and shows that we are stronger when we stand together.”

As part of his trip, Aquilino met with Defense Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar; General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defense Staff of India; General Manoj Mukund Naravane, Chief of the Army Staff of Indian Army; Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force; Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy; and Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar.

The trip marks his first visit to India as Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and underscores the importance of the U.S.-India relationship.