Senior military leaders from India and the United States began two days of high-level talks in Hawaii to strengthen defence ties, enhance interoperability, and advance a shared vision for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, co-chaired the 22nd edition of the India–US Military Cooperation Group (MCG) meeting with Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd, Deputy Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command. The forum serves as a key mechanism for advancing strategic dialogue and coordination between the two armed forces.

According to India’s Integrated Defence Staff Headquarters, discussions focused on expanding joint exercises, bolstering defence industrial collaboration, and improving operational readiness to address evolving regional security challenges.

The previous MCG meeting, held in New Delhi last year, emphasized proactive engagement and enhanced interoperability. In recent years, India and the US have significantly expanded defence cooperation through joint initiatives like Yudh Abhyas, Malabar, COPE India, Vajra Prahar, and Tiger Triumph — reflecting a growing strategic partnership rooted in shared democratic values and mutual trust.

The annual Yudh Abhyas exercise, most recently conducted in Alaska, remains one of the largest bilateral military drills for the Indian Army. Such engagements, Indian officials note, are central to fostering interoperability and strengthening the Indo-Pacific security architecture.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to building a robust and future-ready defence partnership that supports regional stability and global peace.