US labels India essential Indo-Pacific partner in security balance
US labels India essential Indo-Pacific partner in security balance
A senior Pentagon official says India's rise strengthens US interests in the Indo-Pacific, calling the partnership essential for a stable regional balance of power.
In Delhi, a senior Pentagon official described India as an essential partner in shaping an Indo-Pacific where no single power dominates. He noted that while the United States and India may not agree on every issue, they can cooperate effectively to advance shared security interests.
He stressed that India's importance comes from its size, economy, geography, and growing military capabilities, and that New Delhi's strategic autonomy strengthens rather than diminishes the partnership. Colby framed India's rise as good for Americans as well as Indians.
Colby argued that the goal is to build a durable balance of power in the region by aligning interests, enhancing defense interoperability, and expanding co-production and a robust domestic defense industry.
Asked about the Quad, he did not reference the grouping in his remarks, signaling a broader, more flexible approach to regional security beyond any single framework.
His remarks come as broader discussions about balancing power in the Indo-Pacific continue, with policy circles recognizing India's growing security role as part of a pragmatic, interest-driven approach to regional stability.
