India and the US will explore opportunities for “co-development and co-production” initiatives during Indian Army chief Gen. Manoj Pande’s visit from 13-16 February. The US will demonstrate its Stryker infantry vehicles, which are one of the projects being discussed by the two sides as part of its co-development and co-production efforts.
Gen. Manoj Pande’s US Visit
According to a statement released by the Indian Press Information Bureau (PIB) citing the Defence Ministry, “this visit underscores the deepening military cooperation and strategic partnership between India and the United States, aiming to further strengthen defence cooperation and foster stronger bonds between the armies of both nations.”
During his visit, Pande will hold high-level meetings and exchanges with General Randy George, the US Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA), and other senior military officials.
“Highlights of the tour include a prestigious US Army Honour Guard ceremony, a solemn laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, and a comprehensive tour of the Pentagon,” the statement said.
As per the statement, ideas will be exchanged on key issues such as “Transformation in the Indian Army,” “Global Threat Perception,” “Transformation to Army-2030/2040,” “Human Resource Challenges,” “Future Force Development and Modernisation,” and “Co-Production & Co-Development Initiatives.”
These talks are intended to share insights, ideas, and best practices between the two armies, it added.
Army Chief General Manoj Pande today embarked on an official visit to the United States of America. During his four day official visit starting from tomorrow, Chief of the Army Staff will participate in high-level discussions and interact with United States Chief of Staff of the… pic.twitter.com/75R7wYN7lf
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) February 12, 2024
Additionally, Pande’s agenda includes a visit to the ‘Army Geospatial Centre’ at Fort Belvoir and the ‘National Defence University’ at Fort McNair, as well as meetings with leadership at Headquarters 1 Corps.
“[Gen. Pande] will also engage with units at the forefront of military innovation and strategy, including the Stryker Unit, 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, the 1st Special Forces Group at Seattle and the Defence Innovation Unit in San Francisco,” the statement read.
A visit to the California National Guard is also scheduled, underlining the holistic character of the visit, which aims to explore prospects for more significant training, co-development, and co-production opportunities.
“This visit is another milestone in the Indo-US defence relationship, reflecting a mutual desire to enhance military collaboration, exchange strategic perspectives on global threat perceptions, and work together toward future force development and modernisation,” the statement concluded.
IPACC Conference Co-hosted by India, US
In September 2023, General Randy George visited India for the Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conference (IPACC), which the Indian Army and the US Army co-hosted. The conference was attended by 18 chiefs of armies and heads of delegation from 12 countries.
"Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace & Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region"
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) September 23, 2023
Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference #IPACC
A platform to exchange ideas and views on security, promote peace & stability in the Indo-Pacific region and develop mutual understanding & dialogue… pic.twitter.com/gm7xSVeVkC
During the conference, George and Pande engaged in constructive discussions on various issues, including military cooperation, synergistic approaches to HADR, strengthening military exchange efforts, and other mutually beneficial issues.
In a joint press briefing, both army chiefs stated that the Indo-Pacific strategy has taken prominence in the contemporary geostrategic canvas in recent years. “The region is a theatre of complexities and challenges. Periodic ideation and discussions among partners are necessary, with efforts focussed on the shared responsibility for achieving and sustaining peace and stability,” Pande remarked.
Meanwhile, George stated that IPACC was considering developing a security architecture that would connect the region and foster unity and collective commitment. “Unity and commitment are the best deterrents,” he said, emphasising the importance of the US-India military alliance for regional stability. “In a challenging global security environment, having great allies and partners is more important than ever before,” the American general added.