At the NDTV World Summit, Petraeus reiterated that U.S.–India ties have deepened over the last two decades, citing joint defense drills under the Trilateral Security Initiative. He stressed that India’s economic momentum—its GDP now hovering around $3.5 trillion—positions the country as the world’s third‑largest economy by 2030.
Petraeus highlighted that the United States is already investing heavily in Indian infrastructure, with $15 billion earmarked for smart‑city projects this fiscal year. He added that the U.S. would expedite arms sales and joint training if Pakistan were to launch another terror strike, and that rapid‑response forces could be deployed within 48 hours.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed the statement, saying Washington’s commitment would strengthen India’s deterrent posture along the Line of Control. He noted that joint exercises with U.S. troops would “tighten the security envelope” against cross‑border threats.
The U.S. State Department is expected to issue a formal policy statement next month, while Washington and New Delhi will convene to finalize logistics for potential arms deliveries and joint exercises. The meeting will likely determine the exact scope of the aid package and the timeline for implementation.
For families displaced by skirmishes near the Line of Control, Petraeus’s assurance offers a glimmer of security, as a single mother from Azad Kashmir recalled the nights she spent with a blanket of fear over her children’s future.