Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDO-PACOM) as seen in a file photo.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARANGMENT
Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDO-PACOM), on Sunday (February 15, 2026) praised the tactical execution of Operation Sindoor, highlighting the seriousness with which its lessons were examined and the introspection that followed.
Speaking to a select group of journalists in the national capital, Admiral Paparo said he held “tremendous reverence” for the terrible event (Pahalgam attack) that triggered the crisis, acknowledging the gravity of what had unfolded. At the same time, he made it clear that he would reserve further comment, describing the matter as sovereign and best addressed by the country directly involved.
He also commended the restraint demonstrated during the operation, underlining the importance of preventing escalation in a volatile security environment.
Referring to the use of Chinese-origin weapons by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, Admiral Paparo stressed that constant vigilance and readiness are essential. “One never knows when a crisis may emerge. Maintaining a strong deterrent posture is critical,” he said, adding that every operation must yield lessons for future preparedness.
He noted that modern long-range weapons rely on complex “kill chains”, the integration of sensors, communications, propulsion systems, warheads, and seekers. In the 21st century, he observed, geography is no longer the decisive factor it once was. Capabilities in space, information systems, propulsion technologies and seeker technologies have become more widely accessible.
Success in modern conflict, he said, will depend on mastering the information environment, including space and counterspace operations, electronic warfare, low observability and artificial intelligence, to enhance both lethality and survivability.
Admiral Paparo also praised India’s vision of leveraging artificial intelligence for the benefit of people in the 21st century. He said AI has significant defence applications and that INDO-PACOM is at the forefront of employing AI in military operations. These areas present substantial opportunities for India and the United States to deepen cooperation, he added.
Describing the security environment as dynamic and complex, he said it has contributed to the rapid growth of the India-U.S. security partnership.
“Our cooperation dates back many years, including agreements in 2018 for Apache helicopters, and more recently MQ-9 platforms, GE-414 engines, P-8I aircraft, and MH-60 Romeo helicopters,” he said.
Looking ahead, he said both countries are expanding cooperation not only in technical capabilities but also through joint exercises such as Tiger Triumph, Malabar, Cope India, and RIMPAC. “Across shared interests, joint exercises and enhanced capabilities, the relationship is on a steep upward trajectory,” he said.
On maritime domain awareness, Admiral Paparo said the U.S. views India as a major contributor to security in the Indian Ocean Region and commends it for that role. Maritime domain awareness, including undersea domain awareness, remains a key area of bilateral cooperation, he added.
Published – February 15, 2026 09:28 pm IST
