U.S. Assistant Secretary Elbridge Colby, speaking in New Delhi on March 24, 2026, described India as an essential partner in the Indo-Pacific. Amid the West Asia crisis, he highlighted shared goals of preventing dominance by any single power, while acknowledging differences between the two countries.

Bullets

• Elbridge Colby said India is an “essential partner” for the United States in the Indo-Pacific region.
• He emphasized a shared vision of an Indo-Pacific where no single power dominates.
• The remarks were made during a visit to New Delhi amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
• Colby stated that India and the U.S. can cooperate effectively despite having policy differences.
• He highlighted that complete agreement is not necessary for strategic collaboration.
• The statement reflects the U.S. approach to strengthening ties with India in regional security matters.
• Notably, Colby made no reference to the Quad while outlining Indo-Pacific strategy.
• His visit includes talks with Indian defence officials under the Defence Policy Group.
• The engagement comes at a time of rising global tensions affecting strategic alignments.
• The remarks signal continued importance of India in U.S. geopolitical and security planning.