On July 11 and 12 a two-day conclave in New Delhi titled “U.S.-India Defense News Conclave: Stories of U.S.-India Defense and Security Partnership,” was held. This event focused on the growing defense and security partnership between the United States and India.
The U.S. Mission to India, in partnership with CUTS International, and in collaboration with the United Service Institution of India (USI) and the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), organized this meeting.
U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the strong commitment between the two nations. He highlighted that the U.S.-India relationship is not a mere bet but a true friendship based on mutual trust and shared values. Garcetti stressed the importance of commerce, technology, people, and security in this partnership, urging both sides not to take the relationship for granted.
Picture courtesy: USISPF Org
The conclave covered various aspects of the U.S.-India defense partnership through multiple sessions. These included discussions on the historical evolution of the strategic relationship, current initiatives, and future growth areas. Specific topics addressed were maritime security, space cooperation, ocean diplomacy, and the development of a modern defense industrial ecosystem.
On the second day, Rear Admiral Michael Baker, Defense Attache at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, spoke about the importance of capability, interoperability, and political resolve in deterring war. Vishesh Negi, Joint Secretary of International Cooperation at India’s Ministry of Defense, described India and the U.S. as natural partners, highlighting their robust military-to-military cooperation. (Gunjan note: In years past the Defense Attache position would be occupied by officers of significantly lower ranking; this reflects the vital importance of US-India strategic collaboration)
The event also featured a panel discussion with renowned journalists covering the defense sector, emphasizing the media’s role in shaping public perceptions and countering misinformation about bilateral defense collaborations.
In her closing remarks, Gloria Berbena, Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy New Delhi, stressed the need for transparency in the security partnership and the importance of fostering a strong, professional journalistic understanding of these issues. She emphasized that an informed citizenry is crucial as both nations navigate the complex geopolitical realities of the 21st century.
The conclave aimed to generate awareness about the growing partnership between the U.S. and India in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, particularly among media professionals across India. It brought together industry experts from both countries to discuss various aspects of the defense partnership, including joint production, technology collaboration, and working within multilateral frameworks such as the Quad.
Overall, the event highlighted the deepening ties between the United States and India in the defense and security sectors. Speakers consistently emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership in the current global context, with both nations seeing their futures intertwined. The conclave served as a platform to discuss challenges, opportunities, and the road ahead for this crucial bilateral relationship, underscoring its significance for regional stability and global security.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
