# US Calls India Critical Power After Pacific Command Rename

2026-08-15T00:01:20+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

The United States has renamed its Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) back to Pacific Command (PACOM), with the Under Secretary of War for Policy, Elbridge A. Colby, calling India a 'critical power' in the same breath. NDTV reports that the change reflects Washington's military focus on the Western Pacific and the first island chain. Colby's remarks came as the US sought to reassure New Delhi that the rebranding did not signal diminished importance for India in American defence strategy.

## Coverage

- ndtv.com <https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/we-see-india-as-critical-power-us-after-pacific-command-name-change-11911912>

Tags: Elbridge A. Colby, India, INDOPACOM, United States
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