The senior US official is visiting India to engage with top leadership and further deepen bilateral ties between New Delhi and Washington….reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday held talks in New Delhi with visiting US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby, during which both sides reviewed the prevailing global geopolitical situation.
After the meeting, Jaishankar said he was pleased to meet Colby and noted that their discussions covered a broad exchange of views on current international developments.
A day earlier, Colby had emphasised that the United States holds India in high regard and believes New Delhi’s choices will play a decisive role in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific region.
Speaking at a session organised by the Ananta Centre, he described India as a major republic with a strong strategic tradition, adding that while the two countries differ in several respects, they share a belief that Asia’s future should be determined by sovereign nations.
The senior US official is visiting India to engage with top leadership and further deepen bilateral ties between New Delhi and Washington.
He noted that the US considers India not only a key partner but a crucial one in maintaining long term strategic balance in Asia.
Highlighting India’s significance, Colby pointed to its geographic position in the Indian Ocean, its expanding economic and military capabilities, and its ability to influence developments beyond its borders.
He also said the US approach towards India is driven by practical considerations and shared interests, rather than idealistic assumptions, recognising India’s independent strategic outlook.
Colby added that both countries appear aligned in their broader perspectives, referring to India’s “Bharat First” and “India Way” doctrines as comparable to the US emphasis on prioritising national interests in foreign policy.
Earlier, announcing his visit, the US Department of War said the trip would focus on advancing objectives set out in the joint statement issued by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2025, as well as implementing the framework for the India US major defence partnership.
