The United States is significantly escalating its military presence in the Caribbean under Operation Southern Spear, deploying advanced platforms such as EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jets, F-35A Joint Strike Fighters, HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters, and various aerial refueling tankers to Puerto Rico and surrounding areas. This buildup, framed as a counter-narcotics mission against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s regime, signals a potential shift toward offensive operations amidst rising tensions. The U.S. military’s recent activities, including airstrikes and the seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker, reflect a broader strategy to curb destabilizing influences in the region, particularly those linked to narcoterrorism and authoritarian powers that threaten hemispheric stability. From an Indian strategic perspective, this U.S. posture not only aids in maintaining regional security—potentially impacting global supply chains and energy routes—but also aligns with India’s interests in combating drug trafficking and fostering reliable partnerships in an interconnected geopolitical landscape.