The Aryavarth Express New Delhi [India], March 24: General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff(CDS), held a high-level meeting with Harvey Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff of the Royal Air Force, reaffirming the growing defence partnership between India and the United Kingdom.
The discussions highlighted the ongoing exchange of instructors as a key pillar of bilateral cooperation and noted substantial progress in enhancing defence intelligence collaboration. CDS Chauhan also praised the successful 17th Military Sub Group Meeting and expressed confidence in advancing a more integrated and future-ready defence engagement.
Sir Harvey Smyth began his three-day visit to India on Monday, emphasizing the deepening cooperation in the air domain through expanded training, operational exchanges, and strategic engagement, according to the British High Commission in India.
During the visit, the UK Air Chief paid homage to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial and reviewed a Guard of Honour presented by the Indian Air Force. He also held talks with Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on evolving security threats and ways to enhance cooperation between the two air forces.
In February, both countries signed an agreement for the Indian Air Force to deploy three Qualified Flying Instructors to Royal Air Force Valley, a key center for British fast jet pilot training, complementing an existing Indian instructor at RAF College Cranwell. The two air chiefs are also scheduled to visit Air Force Station Gwalior to study IAF operational procedures and best practices for countering emerging aerial threats.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Smyth described it as a privilege to engage with India and build on the strong defence partnership, highlighting that ongoing exchanges reflect “depth of trust, shared professionalism, and mutual commitment.” He added, “I look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to deepen the cooperation between our air forces in the years ahead.”
Commodore Chris Saunders noted that the visit underscores the strategic importance both nations place on strengthening defence ties, emphasizing that embedding IAF instructors in UK training institutions and expanding multi-domain cooperation marks a significant enhancement of bilateral engagement. He also highlighted that this is the fourth and most senior flag-rank visit from the UK to India in 2026, signaling sustained momentum in the partnership.
During his stay, the UK Air Chief is expected to meet other members of India’s civil and military leadership to further advance defence cooperation.
