SAN DIEGO, February 13, 2026 – Strengthening the strategic depth of the India-USA maritime partnership, a high-level Indian Navy delegation led by Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS), participated in the prestigious WEST 2026 annual conference. As a premier naval platform in San Diego, the event served as a critical venue for India to reinforce its role in the Indo-Pacific region.
During the summit, the VCNS contributed to a high-profile panel titled “Allies & Partners in the Indo-Pacific: Readiness, Integration & Future Fight,” where he highlighted the importance of collaborative defense frameworks and shared operational readiness to tackle emerging maritime challenges.
Beyond the formal sessions, Vice Admiral Vatsayan engaged in extensive consultations with senior US Navy leadership, including the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and various Fleet Commanders.
These discussions focused on advancing naval synergy, shared security objectives, and the “Future Fight” through technical integration. The visit also included comprehensive tours of US naval facilities across San Diego and productive dialogues with defense industry leaders, aiming to catalyze innovation and industrial cooperation.
This high-level engagement underscores a mutual commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, ensuring that the naval partnership between the two nations remains a cornerstone of regional stability.
