In a notable exhibition of inter-service cooperation and operational synergy, senior officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force convened aboard the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant off the West Coast on January 30. This gathering underscored the importance of unity among the three branches of India’s armed forces as they navigate the complexities of modern military operations.
The high-profile delegation comprised distinguished figures, including Lt Gen Johnson P Mathew, Chief of Integrated Staff Committee; Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral K Swaminathan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff; Air Marshal SP Dharkar, Vice Chief of Air Staff; and Lt Gen Ajay Kumar, Director General of Infantry. Their presence highlighted the strategic collaboration required to enhance India’s preparedness in various operational environments.
The primary objective of the visit was to observe the joint phase of TROPEX25 (Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise) and to acquire firsthand insights into maritime operations. This exercise is crucial for developing the capabilities necessary to respond to potential regional threats and to ensure enhanced security in the maritime domain.
Air Marshal SP Dharkar’s arrival on INS Vikrant aboard a Mig-29K trainer aircraft served as a vivid illustration of the ongoing inter-service cooperation. His participation illustrated the seamless integration of air power within naval operations, a key component of modern military strategy.
During this exercise, an overnight sea sortie was conducted with the commanding officers on board, providing an opportunity for senior leaders to experience operational conditions at sea. These engagements are part of comprehensive joint exercises like TROPEX and AMPHEX, which engage the Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force in rigorous training to bolster their collaborative combat capabilities.
This collective initiative not only enhances operational readiness among the armed forces but also reinforces India’s strategic posture on the global stage. The ongoing efforts to strengthen jointmanship and foster seamless coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force are critical as India continues to navigate complex security challenges in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
