Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and United States Under Secretary of War for Policy, Elbridge Colby, at the U.S.-India Defence Policy Group meeting, in New Delhi on March 25, 2026. Photo credit: @SpokespersonMoD X/ANI
The 18th India–U.S. Defence Policy Group (DPG) meeting was held in New Delhi on Wednesday (March 25, 2026), with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening defence ties and expanding strategic cooperation.
The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and U.S. Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby.
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According to the Ministry of Defence, during the discussions, India and the United States reviewed the progress of ongoing defence initiatives and identified priority areas for future collaboration, particularly in co-development and co-production of advanced defence equipment. The talks reflected the growing convergence in strategic interests between the two countries.
Both sides also reiterated their commitment to strengthening military-to-military engagement through an expanded framework of joint exercises, training exchanges and high-level strategic interactions, it added.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also met Mr. Colby on the sidelines of the DPG on Wednesday (March 25, 2026).
The two sides discussed ways to advance bilateral defence cooperation, reviewed regional security dynamics, and explored avenues to further strengthen the strategic partnership.
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Separately, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said he was pleased to meet Mr. Colby this afternoon, noting that they exchanged views on the current geopolitical scenario.
The meetings underscored the importance of sustained dialogue under the DPG framework to further advance bilateral defence cooperation.
The India–U.S. Defence Policy Group remains a key institutional mechanism for guiding and reviewing the expanding defence partnership, which has witnessed significant momentum in recent years.
U.S. Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby, is visiting Delhi amidst the war in West Asia.
On October 31, 2025, India and the United States signed a new 10-year Defence Framework Agreement (2025–2035) in Kuala Lumpur to deepen military, technology, and industrial cooperation.
Published – March 25, 2026 10:44 pm IST
