New Delhi, 06 April (H.S.): Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh arrived in the United States to bolster India-US defense partnership, focusing on mutual security priorities, military interoperability, and joint operational capabilities.

Singh was welcomed by Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra, who posted on X that the visit aims to fortify growing air force ties. It follows US Indo-Pacific Command chief Admiral Samuel J Paparo's India visit (February 14-19), which reinforced strategic alignment for regional stability.

Paparo, with US Ambassador Sergio Gor, visited Western Command Chandimandir and Integrated Defence Staff HQ. Discussions with CDS General Anil Chauhan reaffirmed robust partnership rooted in shared interests. Bengaluru talks emphasized India's role in land/sea/air/space/cyber interoperability for a free, open Indo-Pacific.

The IAF chief will engage senior US military leaders on strategic convergence, security/stability commitments, bilateral cooperation, and capability enhancement. Tejas Mk-1A's F404 engine delays with GE Aerospace may feature, given India's vocal concerns over supply disruptions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar