'Powerful symbol': US ambassador links Apache visit to Trump-PMO defence vision for India

Those talks also covered coordination on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, counter-piracy and protection of sea lines of communication and undersea infrastructure.

• US and India discussed expanding military engagement and defence cooperation
• Recent meetings and arms deals signal deepening India-US defence ties
• Army-level talks reinforce commitment to global peace and security

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US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy to South and Central Asia Sergio Gor on Sunday said a visit to an AH-64E Apache helicopter alongside US Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll was a “powerful symbol” of the India–US defence partnership.

In a post on X, Gor said the Apache visit reflected how the two countries are delivering on the joint vision of Donald Trump and the Prime Minister's Office India for a stronger India–US defence relationship.

“These cutting-edge American helicopters bolster India’s capabilities, training and technology cooperation, and strengthen security across the region,” Gor said.

Thrilled to visit an AH-64E Apache with @SecArmy Driscoll. A powerful symbol of how we’re delivering on @POTUS and @PMOIndia joint vision for a strong #USIndiaDefense partnership. These cutting-edge American helicopters bolster India’s capabilities, training and technology… pic.twitter.com/jM75i32laq

— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) January 25, 2026

US Secretary of the Army Daniel P Driscoll on Sunday met Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, with both sides discussing ways to deepen bilateral defence cooperation and expand military-to-military engagement between India and the United States.

The meeting comes as New Delhi and Washington continue to build momentum in defence ties, spanning arms sales, operational cooperation and long-term strategic frameworks.

In a post on X, the Additional Directorate General of the Indian Army said the discussions focused on strengthening defence cooperation, enhancing military engagement and reinforcing a shared commitment to global peace and security.

Army-level engagement has become an increasingly important pillar of India-US defence relations, complementing naval and air force cooperation.

The visit follows a series of recent high-level interactions. In November last year, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi visited the United States, where both sides discussed strengthening maritime security, improving domain awareness and enhancing interoperability in the Indo-Pacific.

Those talks also covered coordination on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, counter-piracy and protection of sea lines of communication and undersea infrastructure.

Earlier in November, the United States approved the sale of FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems and M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided artillery projectiles to India.

The Defence Security Cooperation Agency said the US State Department cleared military equipment sales estimated at USD 93 million, including 100 Javelin missiles, command-launch units, training aids and lifecycle support.

In October, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth exchanged an agreement on the framework for the India-US Major Defence Partnership, alongside the signing of a 10-year Defence Framework Agreement.

The framework provides institutional backing for deeper cooperation, with the latest Army-level talks signalling a continued push to translate policy alignment into sustained military engagement.