Amid the ongoing hostilities between the United States and Iran, India is stepping up strategic coordination with Washington. As global uncertainty rises due to the West Asia crisis, top Pentagon official, Elbridge Colby, arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday. His visit is considered to be of critical importance. Parallelly, India's External Minister S. Jaishankar’s call with Marco Rubio stresses urgent talks on oil supply disruptions and international trade risks.
According to a statement issued by the U.S. Department of War, Colby will hold a meeting with Indian officials in New Delhi focusing on ways to strengthen bilateral ties between both countries. He is also expected to discuss several expediting pending arms deals. For India, the stakes are immediate, as critical imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
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Why Elbridge Colby is in India?
This marks Colby's first-ever visit as the West Asia conflict reshapes alliances, reflecting advancing defence ties under the India-US partnership framework. Before the beginning of the war in Iran, after the US levied a 50 percent tariff, relations between the US and India had hit rock bottom.
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Now that the Trump administration has lowered tariff rates up to 18 percent, the attention has once again shifted towards India. Reports indicate that America wants to expedite pending arms deals with New Delhi and revive forums such as INDUS-X, an initiative that had previously assisted both Indian and US defense companies.
Primary focus on pending India-US defense deals
Colby's visit to India comes amid a raging war in Iran and the closure of Hormuz, which has triggered oil and gas shortages globally, specifically in Asia. The primary focus, however, is on defense deals between the United States and India, HT reported. Trump wants New Delhi to purchase as many American-made weapons as possible. Conversely, India wants these American weapons to be jointly manufactured by both nations, with production taking place domestically.
In October 2025, India and the United States signed a ‘framework' for the US-India major defence partnership. The following month, the U.S. State Department reportedly approved the sale of Javelin anti-tank missile systems to India worth USD 45.7 million.
US delays supply of Tejas GE engines to India
The GE F-414 jet engine deal between India and the United States is facing significant challenges. The deal is vital for New Delhi's air power upgrade. However, delays and geopolitical factors are contributing to the slowdown. While India aims to reduce dependence and is considering an alternate option, Colby's visit may push discussions regarding the supply of jet engines.