India-US Discuss Deeper Cooperation in Indian Ocean Region

 

New Delhi : Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held a telephonic conversation with US Under Secretary of State Allison M. Hooker to discuss ways to deepen cooperation between India and the United States in the Indian Ocean region. The talks focused on advancing practical collaboration under the India-US Indian Ocean Strategic Venture (IOSV) initiative.

 

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the two sides discussed opportunities for greater practical cooperation and complementarity in the Indian Ocean Region. The discussions covered areas including maritime security, strategic infrastructure and connectivity, while keeping in view the priorities and requirements of partner countries in the region.

 

In a post on social media, Jaiswal said Misri and Hooker had a “productive call” aimed at advancing discussions on the IOSV initiative. The initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump following their meeting in Washington, DC, in February 2025.

The Indian Ocean has emerged as an increasingly important area of strategic and economic cooperation for India and the United States. The region connects major trade routes and is vital for global commerce, energy supplies and maritime connectivity. Both countries have been working to strengthen cooperation with regional partners to promote a free, open, secure and stable maritime environment.