Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and US Assistant Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby at the US-India Defense Group meeting in New Delhi on March 25, 2026. Photo credit: @SpokespersonMoD X/ANI
The 18th meeting of the India-US Defense Policy Group (DPG) was held in New Delhi on Wednesday (March 25, 2026), where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defense ties and expanding strategic cooperation.
The meeting was co-chaired by Secretary of Defense Rajesh Kumar Singh and US Assistant Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby.
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According to the Defense Ministry, during the discussions, India and the United States reviewed the progress of ongoing defense initiatives and identified priority areas for future cooperation, particularly in the joint development and co-production of advanced defense equipment. The negotiations reflected the growing convergence of strategic interests between the two countries.
The two sides also reiterated their commitment to strengthen military cooperation through an expanded framework of joint exercises, training exchanges and high-level strategic interactions.
Foreign Minister Vikram Misri also met Mr. Colby on the sidelines of DPG on Wednesday (March 25, 2026).
The two sides discussed ways to advance bilateral defense cooperation, reviewed regional security dynamics, and explored options for further strengthening the strategic partnership.
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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar further said that he was pleased to meet Mr. Colby this afternoon and noted that they exchanged views on the current geopolitical scenario.
The meetings underlined the importance of a permanent dialogue within the DPG for further progress in bilateral defense cooperation.
The India-US Defense Policy Group remains the key institutional mechanism for managing and reviewing the expanding defense partnership, which has seen significant momentum in recent years.
US Assistant Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby is visiting Delhi in the middle of the war in West Asia.
On 31 October 2025, India and the United States signed a new ten-year defense framework agreement (2025–2035) in Kuala Lumpur to deepen military, technological and industrial cooperation.
Published – 25 March 2026 22:44 IST
