Indian Air Force Chief Visits US to Deepen Defence Ties

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh meets with Indian ambassador and US military leaders to strengthen India-US security partnership.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:02am

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Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh arrived in the United States to further strengthen the India-US defence partnership. Singh was received by the Indian Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, who stated the visit aims to sustain the strong and growing ties between the two air forces. The visit comes after a recent trip by the US Indo-Pacific Command commander to India to collaborate on shared security interests and military interoperability.

Why it matters

The India-US defence partnership has grown significantly in recent years as both countries seek to counter China's rising influence in the Indo-Pacific region. This visit by the Indian Air Force chief is an opportunity to deepen military cooperation, technology sharing, and joint exercises between the two air forces.

The details

During his visit, Air Chief Marshal Singh is expected to meet with senior US defence officials to discuss areas of mutual interest, including India's contributions to safeguarding a free and open Indo-Pacific. The visit will also include an alumni event hosted by the Daniel K Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, bringing together Indian graduates to exchange ideas and explore collaborative solutions to regional security challenges.

  • Air Chief Marshal Singh arrived in the US on April 6, 2026.
  • The visit comes after Admiral Samuel J Paparo, commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, visited India from February 14-19, 2026.

The players

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh

The current Chief of the Indian Air Force, visiting the US to strengthen defence ties between the two countries.

Vinay Mohan Kwatra

The Indian Ambassador to the United States, who welcomed Air Chief Marshal Singh upon his arrival.

Admiral Samuel J Paparo

The commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, who recently visited India to collaborate on shared security interests and military interoperability.

General Anil Chauhan

The Chief of Defence Staff of India, who met with Admiral Paparo during his visit to discuss areas of mutual interest.

Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi

The Chief of the Indian Naval Staff, who also met with Admiral Paparo during his visit to India.

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What they’re saying

“Pleasure to host and welcome CAS, Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh as he begins his visit to the United States to further strengthen the India-US defence partnership and sustain the strong & growing ties between the two Air Forces.”

— Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Indian Ambassador to the United States

What’s next

The visit is expected to include discussions between Air Chief Marshal Singh and senior US defence officials to further strengthen the India-US defence partnership and explore areas of increased military cooperation, technology sharing, and joint exercises.

The takeaway

This visit by the Indian Air Force chief underscores the growing strategic importance of the India-US defence relationship as both countries work to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The discussions and outcomes of this visit will shape the future trajectory of this critical security partnership.