New Delhi– US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor extended a warm welcome to US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll upon his arrival in New Delhi, highlighting the deepening personal and professional ties between senior officials of both nations. Gor described Driscoll as “my friend” on social media, signalling the close rapport underpinning the growing US-India defence and strategic partnership.
The visit follows recent US high-level engagements in India, including Senator Steve Daines’ trip from January 17-19, during which he met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and parliamentary leaders. Discussions focused on enhancing defence cooperation, securing supply chains, and bolstering strategic collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting the US commitment to deepening ties despite ongoing trade tensions.
Driscoll’s visit underscores the prioritisation of military and strategic objectives over trade frictions, with potential cooperation areas including joint exercises, technology transfers, and interoperability initiatives. It comes at a time when both countries are seeking to counterbalance regional security challenges, including China’s assertiveness, while advancing India’s Make in India defence modernisation programme.
Ambassador Gor’s proactive engagement, including hosting lawmakers and pledging regular high-level visits, reflects Washington’s view of India as a key partner for regional stability. Senator Daines also addressed domestic US concerns, advocating for favourable provisions on pulse crops in future trade agreements, particularly benefiting farmers in Montana, highlighting the intersection of bilateral diplomacy and domestic priorities.
India’s facilitation of such high-profile visits signals a pragmatic shift in diplomatic engagement, focusing on strategic gains amid persistent border tensions. Driscoll’s itinerary remains undisclosed, but analysts expect discussions to advance US-India defence frameworks, intelligence sharing, and logistics cooperation, reinforcing the broader Major Defence Partner relationship.
The visit also has implications for global supply chains, as both countries explore resilience measures and diversification from China, positioning India as a manufacturing hub for semiconductors, defence equipment, and advanced technologies.
As 2026 progresses, Driscoll’s visit, coupled with Ambassador Gor’s active diplomacy, reflects the resilience and forward momentum in US-India ties, blending strategic, defence, and economic interests to strengthen a multifaceted bilateral partnership.
