India and the United States have begun a focused bilateral air exercise designed to deepen operational synergy between the two air forces. The exercise, held from November 10 to 13, brings together advanced capabilities from both sides and underscores the growing defence engagement between New Delhi and Washington.
According to the Indian Air Force, the drill is centred on boosting interoperability, sharing best practices, and improving understanding of each other’s tactical strengths. The highlight of the US participation is the deployment of the B-1B Lancer, a long-range strategic bomber known for its speed, endurance, and advanced strike capabilities. The IAF noted that joint training of this scale enables both sides to refine coordinated operations and expand the scope of future collaboration.
The air exercise coincides with a significant naval engagement as Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi undertakes an official visit to the United States from November 12 to 17. The Ministry of Defence stated that the visit aims to reinforce the already strong maritime partnership between the Indian Navy and the US Navy, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
During the visit, Admiral Tripathi is scheduled for a series of high-level discussions with senior officials from the US Department of War. His engagements include meetings with Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), and Admiral Stephen T. Koehler, Commander of the US Pacific Fleet (USPACFLT). These dialogues are expected to focus on strengthening operational cooperation, improving information-sharing frameworks, and expanding maritime domain awareness initiatives.
The Indian Navy stated that these interactions will help review existing maritime activities, enhance coordination mechanisms, and reinforce shared commitments to safeguarding the Indo-Pacific. Admiral Tripathi will also visit key US naval institutions and operational commands, where discussions will touch upon joint priorities such as collaborative activity under multilateral initiatives like MILAN and participation within the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
The Defence Ministry emphasised that the visit highlights India’s commitment to advancing a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, reflecting a broader convergence in India–US strategic interests. Together, the ongoing air exercise and the naval dialogues mark another significant step in strengthening defence ties and expanding interoperability across air and maritime domains.
