India, US air chiefs deepen defence ties with focus on interoperability and Indo-Pacific deterrence
Washington, April 11. The United States and India reinforced their strategic defence partnership during high-level engagements between their air force chiefs, underscoring shared priorities of interoperability, advanced training, and regional deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.
During an official visit on April 8, Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Indian Air Force, was hosted by Kenneth Wilsbach, Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. Singh was accorded a full honours reception at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling before proceeding to meetings at The Pentagon with Wilsbach and Troy Meink, Secretary of the Air Force.
Senior US Air Force leaders highlighted the centrality of the India-US defence relationship to maintaining a “free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific”. Wilsbach commended India’s active role in multilateral exercises with like-minded partners and emphasised that expanding such engagements would be crucial for enhancing regional deterrence.
Calling the visit an honour, Wilsbach noted that discussions at the Pentagon centred on modernisation initiatives, future training avenues, and the two air forces’ shared vision for the Indo-Pacific.
The talks also reviewed India’s acquisition of MQ-9B Sky Guardian unmanned aircraft, with the US side affirming its commitment to ensuring that Indian forces are fully prepared to deploy the platform effectively upon induction. Wilsbach reiterated the US Air Force’s readiness to support India’s modernisation drive, pointing to the advantages of closer defence-industrial cooperation.
Subsequent staff-level deliberations covered operational collaboration, including the National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, the Air National Guard Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center, and comprehensive MQ-9 operational training.
Singh stressed that such exchanges are vital for strengthening interoperability and advancing the strategic partnership between the two air forces.
Beyond Washington, Singh visited Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado, where he was briefed on the mission of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, including aerospace and maritime warning responsibilities for North America. He also travelled to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada for briefings at the United States Air Force Warfare Center and undertook a familiarisation flight in the F-15EX Eagle II.
