Indian Army Chief's US Visit Aims to Cement Defence Ties, Secure Indo-Pacific

India in the US took to social media 'X' and said, "Ambassador hosted COAS General Upendra Dwivedi, at India House today, ahead of his upcoming engagements in Washington DC. The visit, which is taking place soon after the recent visits by CNS and CAS, continues the high-level military-to-military exchanges between India and the U.S."

"It is expected to further cement the defence ties - a cornerstone of our comprehensive global strategic partnership - towards ensuring a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," the post added.

Earlier on April 21, Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, held a meeting with the Commanding General of the United States Army Pacific, General Ronald P. Clark and senior officials in Honolulu with discussions focused on strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries and advancing a shared vision for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

After arriving at the US military base in Hawaii, General Dwivedi was accorded a Guard of Honour at Fort Shafter and also undertook an aerial tour of the Oahu Island.

"General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, was accorded a Guard of Honor at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, during his ongoing visit to United States Army Pacific. He held discussions with General Ronald P Clark Commanding General US Army Pacific, and other senior leaders, focusing on strengthening India-US Defense Cooperation and advancing a shared vision for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. COAS also undertook an aerial tour of Oahu island, gaining insights into the training ecosystem and multi-domain operational readiness," Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) had posted on X.

Earlier this month, India and the US reaffirmed their strategic defence partnership during high-level talks between the chiefs of their air forces, which focused on interoperability, training and regional deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

US Air Force Chief of Staff General Kenneth Wilsbach hosted Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh for an official counterpart visit on April 8.

Air Chief Marshal Singh received a full honours arrival at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and later held meetings with Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink and Wilsbach at the Pentagon, according to an official statement.

During the discussions, senior US Air Force leaders emphasised the importance Washington places on its defence partnership with India, describing it as central to ensuring a "free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region".

Wilsbach praised India's leadership and participation in multilateral exercises with like-minded partners and stressed that expanding such cooperation would be key to enhancing regional deterrence.

- IANS