New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) The meeting between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and the visiting US Under Secretary of War, Elbridge Colby, took place during the India–US Defence Policy Group session in New Delhi. They focused on enhancing defense collaboration and reinforcing their strategic alliance.

According to Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge A. Colby today, where they shared insights on advancing bilateral defense cooperation, regional security, and further fortifying their strategic partnership."

Earlier that day, Colby also engaged with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, discussing the current geopolitical climate.

EAM Jaishankar expressed his satisfaction on X, stating, "It was a pleasure to meet US Under Secretary of War Elbridge Colby today. We discussed the ongoing geopolitical scenario."

The senior Pentagon official is currently in India to connect with high-ranking officials in New Delhi to further the vital India-US relationship.

On Tuesday, Colby remarked that the US holds India in high regard, asserting that New Delhi's choices will significantly influence the future of the Indo-Pacific region.

"The United States respects India as a vast republic with a rich strategic heritage, and its decisions will greatly impact the Indo-Pacific and the broader international landscape. While our two nations differ in terms of history, geography, and perspective, we share a fundamental belief: that the future of Asia should be decided by sovereign nations charting their own paths," Colby stated during a focused discussion at the Ananta Centre.

He emphasized that the US sees India not just as a crucial ally but as a pivotal player in maintaining a favorable balance of power in Asia.

According to Colby, "India's significance arises not only from its size and economic potential but also from its geographical and strategic standing. Positioned centrally in the Indian Ocean, India serves as a critical link in the Indo-Pacific. With a long-standing tradition of strategic autonomy and an expanding ability to influence events beyond its borders, its success carries immense symbolic and political implications. Additionally, India possesses a robust military capable of undertaking significant security responsibilities."

Highlighting India's indispensable role, the US Under Secretary pointed out that Washington's approach to its strategic partnership with India is grounded in realistic interests shaped by geopolitics rather than lofty aspirations.

"We recognize that India has its own interests, strategic culture, and priorities, and it is assertive in pursuing them," Colby remarked, noting the alignment of perspectives between India and the US.

"Minister of External Affairs Dr. Jaishankar has described India's approach as 'Bharat First' and its strategic stance as 'the India Way.' Similar to 'America First' and flexible realism, 'Bharat First' and 'the India Way' underscore the importance of a realistic foreign policy approach that prioritizes national interests and focuses on tangible outcomes in international relations," the US Under Secretary of War for Policy asserted.

Upon announcing Colby's visit to India, the US Department of War stated, "Under Secretary Colby's visit aims to further the objectives established by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi in their joint statement from February 2025 and to implement the Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership."