New Delhi: Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr Monday visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy to New Delhi Sergio Gor, and the delegation was briefed on the capabilities of the formation, the path ahead and past operations.
The American delegation will also visit Bengaluru where they will meet three start-ups, including two in the space category and one in defence, besides taking part in an Indo-US conference.
It is learnt that the Admiral could also visit State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Sources in the defence and security establishment said that the American delegation visit to the Army formation is part of the defence engagement between the two sides.
The visit was announced by Gor on his X handle. “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army”.
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
While American envoys have visited Indian military establishments in the past, the X post by Gor stirred up a little storm on social media given the tensions that bilateral ties have witnessed in the recent past, and also because the Western Command was part of the Ops Sindoor along with others.
The sources explained that the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) commanders in the past have visited Naval Commands but this time the request was for an Army Command.
It is learnt that the delegation will fly to Bengaluru next where they will visit Digantara, a space start-up focusing on surveillance and intelligence.
The delegation will also visit Pixel, another space start-up, which focuses on earth observation satellites. The third company the delegation will visit is NewSpace Research and Technology, a defence start-up which is focusing on unmanned aerial vehicles.
The sources said that the Admiral will return on 18 February and leave for Guam the next day.
Admiral Paparo had on Sunday met with a select group of journalists during which he shared his views on aspects of the bilateral partnership, besides on Operation Sindoor.
He said that he applauds the tactical execution and restraint shown by India during Operation Sindoor and admitted that both New Delhi and Washington DC have lessons to learn about the use of Chinese weapons and tactics.
Asked by ThePrint what are lessons to be learnt from India’s confrontation with China first in Doklam in 2017, then in 2020 in eastern Ladakh—as well as use of Chinese satellites and weapons during Op Sindoor—Paparo replied: “Constant vigilance and constant readiness”.
“First, is that constant vigilance and constant readiness…one doesn’t ever know when the unforgiving hour comes. And then it’s the importance of maintaining a strong deterrent posture…” he added.
“And we think our partnerships have an exponential effect on deterrence, because it demonstrates a unity of purpose among us to maintain the peace and a peace through strength and then…I think as our policy, leaders are managing the relationships, it’s the duty of our military leaders to keep a close eye on capability and to be ready to contest that capability at any moment.”
(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)
Also Read: IAF achieved air superiority in Op Sindoor, forced Pakistan to seek ceasefire—Swiss think tank
Why is India pandering to Trump and the US? Isn’t it better to be a tiny bit less successful than being a slave? How shameful.