In a recent address at the 20th Subroto Mukherjee Seminar, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari highlighted the looming threat of global conflict. He emphasized that traditional power structures are being challenged by new players in the international arena, driven by ideological divisions, resource scarcity, and climate change. Chaudhari pointed out that events like COVID-19 and ongoing conflicts worldwide have further complicated the global landscape.
Despite these challenges, the Air Chief noted the resilience and sustained economic growth demonstrated by countries in the Global South. He projected that by 2030, the top 10 largest economies would include several from this group, with Bharat among them. Chaudhari suggested that while challenges persist, the future holds numerous opportunities for collaboration and progress.
Chaudhari underscored the role of the Indian Air Force (IAF) as a catalyst for progress and cooperation. Over the past nine years, the IAF alone has trained over 5000 foreign trainees from Global South countries, a number continually on the rise. The Air Chief proposed the development of short-term, specialized courses to be regularly offered, focusing on specific areas of expertise for target countries.
The Chief of Air Staff highlighted India’s growing indigenous defense capability as a gateway to partnerships and exports. Platforms such as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), and Akash were emphasized as competitive and reliable options for air forces in the Global South. Chaudhari added that this not only boosts India’s economic standing but also enhances its technological influence.
The Air Chief Marshal elaborated on the expanding footprint of training and cooperation with partner nations. The IAF conducts regular training programs to share best practices in operations and maintenance. He specifically mentioned the roles played by Indian Military Advisory Teams and courses offered through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program (ITEC). These initiatives have paved the way for increased cooperation, focusing on capacity building and human resource development, with ITEC having trained over 200,000 officials in both civil and defense sectors over the years.
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