US Envoy Sergio Gor Praises Indian Navy's Expanding Leadership Role at RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has praised the Indian Navy's growing role at the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise in Hawaii, describing its participation as a reflection of the deepening defence partnership between India and the United States. In a message posted on X, Gor welcomed the deployment of the Indian Navy's P-8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) aircraft to the US-led multinational naval exercise. He said India's participation highlights the shared commitment of New Delhi and Washington to expanding defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Indian Navy's P-8I aircraft has been deployed to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu for the 30th edition of RIMPAC, the world's largest international maritime exercise. This year's participation marks a significant milestone, with the Indian Navy taking on the role of Deputy Commander Task Force for Theatre-level Anti-Submarine Warfare for the first time in the exercise's history.

According to the Indian Navy, its aircrew and support personnel are actively engaged in mission planning, operational briefings, technical preparations and professional exchanges with participating navies. The leadership assignment reflects India's growing expertise in complex maritime operations and its increasing contribution to multinational security initiatives.

RIMPAC 2026 brings together 30 participating nations, more than 30 surface ships, five submarines, over 200 aircraft and approximately 30,000 military personnel operating in and around the Hawaiian Islands. Hosted by the US Navy, the biennial exercise focuses on improving interoperability, enhancing maritime security and strengthening cooperation among partner nations.

India's deployment of the P-8I aircraft, one of its most advanced maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare platforms, is expected to play a key role during the sea phase of the exercise. The aircraft is equipped with sophisticated sensors and surveillance systems capable of tracking submarines and monitoring vast maritime areas, making it a valuable asset in joint naval operations.

The Indian Navy said its participation reaffirms India's commitment to a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific while enhancing maritime domain awareness and operational cooperation with partner navies. The exercise also provides an opportunity to strengthen coordination in areas ranging from anti-submarine warfare to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

India's expanded leadership responsibilities at RIMPAC underscore the country's growing strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific and reflect the increasing trust placed in the Indian Navy by partner nations. Defence analysts say the development is another indicator of the rapidly evolving India-US strategic partnership, which has expanded significantly in recent years through joint military exercises, defence technology cooperation and maritime collaboration.