US Drops 'Indo' From Indo-Pacific Command, Sparks Row Over India Map
17 Jun 2026 1:12 PM IST17 Jun 2026 1:12 PM IST
In 2018, then-Defence Secretary James Mattis had said that the name was changed to Indo-Pacific Command in recognition of the increasing connectivity between the Indian and Pacific oceans
Image from pacom.mil.
New Delhi: The United States has decided to rename the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) back to the US Pacific Command (USPACOM), dropping “Indo” from its title, a move that has drawn attention in India’s strategic community.
The command had been renamed in 2018 during Donald Trump’s presidency, a step widely viewed as recognition of India’s growing strategic role in the region.
Announcing the change, the US Department of War said the decision was aimed at restoring the command’s historical identity.
"Restoring the legacy USPACOM designation honors the command’s deep historical roots, fostering a sense of pride and collective spirit among all who serve in the Pacific," said US Department of War.
The command, originally established on January 1, 1947 by President Harry S. Truman, functioned under the USPACOM name for over seven decades.
"From its critical role in establishing the post-WWII regional security architecture to its coordination of joint forces during the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and countless humanitarian operations, the USPACOM namesake carries decades of military heritage and enduring regional partnerships," said US Department of War.
Reacting to the development, strategic analyst Brahma Chellaney said the move, along with the recent US National Security Strategy making limited reference to India, had raised concerns about India’s position in Washington.
"The relationship is increasingly defined less by shared strategic vision than by hard-nosed transactions, as Trump seeks a modus vivendi with China and rediscovers Pakistan’s utility in preventing any single power from dominating the subcontinent," said Chellaney.
Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor also questioned the implications of the decision.
"One more nail in the coffin of the Quad?," he said.
The US Department of War said the command’s area of responsibility, extending from the US West Coast to the western boundary of India, remains unchanged.
"The command's fundamental mission and its unwavering commitment to maintaining a free and open theater alongside regional allies and partners are unchanged," it added.
Announcing the change, the US Department of War said the decision was aimed at restoring the command’s historical identity.
"Restoring the legacy USPACOM designation honors the command’s deep historical roots, fostering a sense of pride and collective spirit among all who serve in the Pacific," said US Department of War.
The command, originally established on January 1, 1947 by President Harry S. Truman, functioned under the USPACOM name for over seven decades.
"From its critical role in establishing the post-WWII regional security architecture to its coordination of joint forces during the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and countless humanitarian operations, the USPACOM namesake carries decades of military heritage and enduring regional partnerships," said US Department of War.
Reacting to the development, strategic analyst Brahma Chellaney said the move, along with the recent US National Security Strategy making limited reference to India, had raised concerns about India’s position in Washington.
"The relationship is increasingly defined less by shared strategic vision than by hard-nosed transactions, as Trump seeks a modus vivendi with China and rediscovers Pakistan’s utility in preventing any single power from dominating the subcontinent," said Chellaney.
Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor also questioned the implications of the decision.
"One more nail in the coffin of the Quad?," he said.
The US Department of War said the command’s area of responsibility, extending from the US West Coast to the western boundary of India, remains unchanged.
"The command's fundamental mission and its unwavering commitment to maintaining a free and open theater alongside regional allies and partners are unchanged," it added.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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