New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby is in India to engage with senior officials. Although the visit was pre-scheduled, it assumes added importance in light of the ongoing West Asia crisis.
According to a statement by the Department of War, “Colby travels to India today to engage with senior officials in New Delhi to help advance the critical India-US relationship. Under Secretary Colby’s visit will focus on advancing the goals established by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi in their February 2025 joint statement and on implementing the framework for the US-India Major Defense Partnership.”
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor had earlier announced the upcoming visit of the senior defense official. In a post on the social media platform X, Ambassador Gor expressed anticipation for Colby’s arrival, stating, “Looking forward to welcoming Under Secretary of War Elbridge Colby to India!”
The visit marks Colby’s first official trip to India. He is widely regarded as one of the key figures behind the shaping of US defense policy during the second Trump administration.
This high-level mission follows closely on the heels of engagements by other senior American military leaders, including Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo and US Space Command chief General Stephen Whiting.
The timing of the visit is particularly significant as it coincides with the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The regional war has led to disruptions in the supply of key commodities such as crude oil, gas, and fertilizer for India and other Asian nations.
Against this backdrop, the diplomatic outreach comes as New Delhi and Washington intensify efforts to strengthen bilateral relations following a period of heightened tensions.
These frictions were previously driven by trade disputes, the India-Pakistan conflict in May, and India’s procurement of Russian energy.
Meanwhile, on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India’s diplomatic approach has focused on urging all parties to de-escalate tensions and end the conflict. He also noted that he had spoken with leaders across West Asia.
“India’s role in diplomacy is clear. From the beginning, we have expressed our deep concern about this conflict. I have personally spoken to all the relevant leaders in West Asia. I have urged everyone to de-escalate tensions and end this conflict. India has condemned attacks on civilians, energy, and transport infrastructure. Attacks on commercial vessels and the blockage of international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable,” the prime minister said. (ANI)
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