US-India Defence Partnership Takes Centre Stage As Congressional Delegation Visits New Delhi

Last Updated:January 29, 2026, 09:32 IST

The delegation, which included Representative Jimmy Patronis and senior committee staff, met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

Ranking Member Smith emphasized the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship.

A high-level bipartisan Congressional delegation led by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Michael Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith visited India from January 24 to 28, reinforcing defence ties between the two nations. The delegation, which also included Representative Jimmy Patronis and senior committee staff, met with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Discussions were also held with Indian and American defence industry leaders.

Focus On Defence Modernisation

“The United States values India as a Major Defence Partner. Our discussions in New Delhi focused on strengthening defence cooperation and advancing defence technology collaboration that supports India’s defence modernisation and enhances regional stability," Chairman Rogers said.

Ranking Member Smith emphasized the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship. “The relationship between the United States and India is extremely important for both of our countries and the world. Our ability to conduct the kind of candid dialogue we have carried out on this delegation is crucial to strengthening our defence cooperation and regional stability, providing both economic and national security benefits for all involved," he stated.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor highlighted the practical outcomes of the visit. “Chairman Rogers’ visit and meetings with Indian leaders and defence experts advanced practical cooperation on protecting Americans and Indians as well as people throughout the region. These discussions strengthened ongoing defence collaboration, supported India’s defence modernisation goals, and reinforced our shared commitment to stability in the Indo-Pacific," Gor said.

Expanding Defence Technology Collaboration

The delegation’s meetings centred on expanding defence cooperation, accelerating defence technology collaboration and identifying opportunities to enhance co-development and co-production between the two countries in support of shared security objectives.

The Congressional visit came against the backdrop of significant trade tensions following Washington’s decision to impose a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods. However, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about resolving trade differences during the World Economic Forum in Davos last week. Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump said, “I have great respect for your Prime Minister. He’s a fantastic man and a friend of mine. We are going to have a good deal," signalling possible progress on trade relations.

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