India, US Push New Strategic Venture Across Indian Ocean

NEW DELHI-India and the United States discussed expanding practical cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region, including maritime security, strategic infrastructure and connectivity, during a phone call between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and US Under Secretary of State Allison M. Hooker, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on August 25.

The Indian Ocean Strategic Venture (IOSV), a bilateral, whole-of-government forum aimed at advancing coordinated investments in economic connectivity and commerce, was launched jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump in Washington on February 13, 2025.

“The US appreciates India’s role as a developmental, humanitarian assistance and net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. In this context, the leaders committed to deepen bilateral dialogue and cooperation across the vast Indian Ocean region and launched the Indian Ocean Strategic Venture,” the United States-India Joint Leaders’ statement said.

The latest discussion comes amid continued US emphasis on India’s strategic importance in the Indian Ocean Region.

Earlier this month, Elbridge Colby, US Under Secretary of War for Policy, said Washington sees India as a “critical power” and wants a stronger partnership with New Delhi. He rejected suggestions that the restoration of the name Pacific Command, replacing the Indo-Pacific Command designation, signaled reduced US attention to India or the Indian Ocean. (IANS)