US, India hold engagements to advance defence cooperation
Arlington, April 12
The US and Indian Air Chiefs held high-level engagements in Arlington to advance defence cooperation, a statement by the Indian Air Force said.
The engagements focused on enhancing interoperability and joint training, among other things.
In a post on X, the Indian Air Force said, "US and Indian Air Chiefs held high-level engagements in Arlington on 08 Apr to advance defence cooperation. Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, hosted Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, who was accorded full honours. Discussions with senior U.S. Air Force leadership focused on enhancing interoperability, joint training, capability development and fostering shared learning. The visit also included engagements at Peterson Space Force Base and Nellis Air Force Base, along with a familiarisation flight in an F-15EX."
Earlier on April 9, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, on an official visit to the United States, visited the Peterson Space Force Base to engage in high-level strategic discussions.
During the visit, the Air Chief Marshal interacted with General Gregory M Guillot, the Commander of US NORTHCOM.
Marking the visit, the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, shared his welcome in a post on X, stating, "We welcome Air Chief Marshal AP Singh to the U.S. and look forward to increased cooperation with India."
The engagement underscored the expanding military synergy between the two nations.
The Indian Air Force noted that the leaders held a "productive exchange of perspectives on complex operational modalities," reflecting the growing depth of the bilateral defence partnership.
The Air Chief Marshal's arrival in the United States on April 6 set the stage for these high-level interactions, aimed at further strengthening the India-US defence partnership.
Upon his landing, he was received by the Indian Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra.
In a post on X, Ambassador Kwatra expressed his "pleasure to host and welcome CAS, Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh as he begins his visit to the United States to further strengthen the India-US defence partnership and sustain the strong and growing ties between the two Air Forces."
— ANI
Reader Comments
While cooperation is good, I hope we are not becoming overly dependent. We must continue to invest heavily in our own indigenous defence projects like Tejas and AMCA. Atmanirbhar Bharat should remain the ultimate goal.
F-15EX familiarisation flight! Wow. Hope this leads to some meaningful technology transfer and not just another shopping list. Our pilots deserve the best equipment to protect our skies.
As someone living in the US, it's great to see this partnership deepening. Shared learning benefits both nations. The strategic discussions at Peterson Space Force Base are particularly interesting for future collaboration.
Good step. But let's be clear-eyed. The US partnership comes with strings attached. We must ensure our strategic autonomy is never compromised. The focus should be on mutual respect and tangible gains for India.
More joint exercises please! Our air warriors learning from the best and vice versa is a win-win. Hope this also speeds up pending deals and co-development projects. The momentum needs to be sustained.
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