India
US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L Goldfein discussed with top military brass here ways to deepen the relationship between the two air forces through bilateral engagements, the US embassy said today.
Updated : Feb 06, 2018, 10:26 PM IST
US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L Goldfein discussed with top military brass here ways to deepen the relationship between the two air forces through bilateral engagements, the US embassy said today.
In a statement, the embassy said Goldfein's visit to India was part of an Indo-Pacific tour to advance "mil-to-mil" relationships in the region, and enhance and strengthen US alliances and partnerships throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
During his visit last week, Gen. Goldfein held talks Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa, Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, Army chief Gen. Bipin Rawat and Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra.
General David L Goldfein, Chief of Staff of the US Air Force, is on an official visit to India. He flew a sortie in '#MadeinIndia' LCA Tejas aircraft at AF Stn Jodhpur today. pic.twitter.com/UQB7Rvl1PJ
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) February 3, 2018
It said his discussions focused on ways to strengthen the strategic military-to-military partnership with India.
"During these meetings, Gen Goldfein emphasised the USAF's commitment to strengthening its relationship with the Indian Armed Forces and discussed ways that the US and India can deepen the relationship between their two air forces through bilateral engagements, exchanges and exercises," the embassy said.
"One of the things our adversaries don't have is (our) alliances and
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) February 2, 2018
partnerships and that is an asymmetric advantage for us all."-@GenDaveGoldfein @IAF_MCC https://t.co/70JcNxmG4y
On Friday, Goldfein met with the leadership of the Indian Air Force and air crews from the C-130J 77 Squadron and C-17 81 Squadron at Hindon Air Force Station.
"India is a leading power and strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region. From our presidents, to our defence secretary and minister, to our air force chiefs, we're working together and looking for opportunities to enhance the inter- operability of our two forces as major defence partners in the Indo-Pacific region," Goldfein was quoted as saying by the embassy after the meetings.
Gen. Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, commander, Pacific Air Forces, and Heidi Grant, deputy under secretary of the Air Force, International Affair, also traveled to India with Gen. Goldfein.