The United States views India as a crucial partner in its Indo-Pacific strategy, emphasizing the nation’s strategic significance and autonomy, according to US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby.
NEW DELHI – The United States holds India in high regard, recognizing its strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region. During a special session at the Ananta Centre on March 24, US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby highlighted India’s proud strategic tradition and its potential to influence the future of the region.
Colby stated, “The United States views India with deep respect — as a republic of continental scale, as a nation with a proud strategic tradition, and as a country whose decisions will profoundly shape the future of the Indo-Pacific and the international landscape more broadly.” He acknowledged the differences between the two nations in terms of history, geography, and perspective, but emphasized a shared belief that the future of Asia should be determined by sovereign nations.
Colby is currently in India to engage with senior officials and further strengthen the critical India-US relationship. He underscored that the US perceives India not just as a key partner, but as an essential player in maintaining a favorable balance of power in Asia.
“India’s importance stems not only from its size and economic potential, but also from its geography and strategic position,” Colby explained. “Your country sits astride the Indian Ocean, which is the connective tissue of the Indo-Pacific. India possesses a long tradition of strategic autonomy and a growing capacity to shape events well beyond its borders. It is the largest republic in the world; its success thus carries profound symbolic and political weight. And it has formidable, self-reliant, and capable military forces, willing and able to shoulder significant security responsibilities.”
Colby emphasized the indispensable role India plays in the region, stating that the US approach to its strategic partnership with India is grounded in interests and realism, shaped by geopolitics rather than lofty ideals. “We clearly recognize that India has its own interests, its own strategic culture, and its own priorities, and that India is not shy about advancing them,” he noted, adding that the perspectives of both nations appear to be closely aligned.
He referenced Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar’s characterization of India’s approach as “Bharat First” and its strategic outlook as “the India Way.” Colby drew parallels between these concepts and the American principles of “America First” and flexible realism, highlighting a mutual emphasis on prioritizing national interests and adopting a results-oriented mindset in international politics.
Colby also pointed to the framework for the US-India Major Defense Partnership, which was signed last October by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, as a strong foundation for future progress in their bilateral relationship.
As the US and India continue to navigate their partnership, both nations remain committed to fostering a collaborative environment that addresses shared challenges and enhances regional stability.
According to IANS, the ongoing dialogue between the two countries reflects a mutual understanding of the importance of strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.