The event, graced by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari PVSM AVSM VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), witnessed discussions on India's proactive role in addressing the concerns of Global South nations.

In his inaugural address, CAS Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari higlighted the significance of air power and the Indian Air Force's (IAF) role as a catalyst for progress. He underscored the IAF's contribution to fostering strategic partnerships and advancing the collective interests of the Global South.

The CAS emphasized the IAF's expanded engagement through regular training activities with partner nations, leading to the exchange of best practices in operations and maintenance. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by Indian Military Advisory Teams and courses offered through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program, facilitating increased cooperation by training over 200,000 officials in both civil and defense sectors.

Over the past nine years, the IAF has trained more than 5000 foreign trainees from Global South countries, reflecting India's commitment to capacity building. The CAS also praised indigenous aerospace platforms like LCA, LCH, Akash Missile systems, and radars, offering competitive and reliable options for air forces in the Global South, thereby enhancing India's economic and technological influence.

Highlighting the IAF's international role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, the CAS emphasized how such endeavors have strengthened India's leadership position in the Global South.

The seminar also featured the launch of two significant books: “Indian Air Power: Contemporary and Future Dynamics” by Air Marshal Diptendu Choudhury (Retd) and “Aeroengine Fundamentals and Landscape in India: A Way Forward” by Air Vice Marshal Suresh Singh. 

By Manish Poswal