Indian top Army General to visit the US from Oct 17 to 20 to 'enhance military cooperation'

New Delhi, October 16: In a bid to enhance military cooperation between India and US armies, the Indian Army’s vice-chief Lieutenant General S. K. Saini will visit the Hawaii-based Indo-Pacific Command from 17th to 20th October. This visit comes ahead of the planned 2+2 dialogue between the foreign and defense ministers of India and the US.

 

 

According to a Defence Ministry release, he will visit the US Army Pacific Command (USARPRAC), the Army component of Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), and exchange ideas extensively with the military leadership apart from witnessing training and equipment capabilities of the US Army. The talks will also focus on the procurement of equipment and training of personnel in niche domains.

 

 

 

Later, he will also visit INDOPACOM where aspects of military cooperation and furthering military to military engagement including procurements, training in niche domains, joint exercises, and capability building will be discussed.

 

The visit will further enhance the operational and strat level collaboration between both armies, which is emphasised by the fact India is participating in two joint exercises with the US despite COVID-19 restrictions. These are Yudh Abhyas (February 2021) and Vajra Prahar (March 2021).

 

Moreover, the third edition of the 2+2 dialogue is expected to take place on October 26 and 27.