India-US ESG discusses defence cooperation, highlights comprehensive partnership

A meeting of the India-US Executive Steering Group (ESG) took place at the US Army Pacific Headquarters in Hawaii. The Indian delegation, led by Lt Gen TK Aich DCOAS (Strategy), was briefed on the capabilities of the Lightning Academy and Aviation Brigade, as stated by the Indian Army.

The ESG meeting serves as a platform to discuss and plan defence cooperation engagements between India and the US, according to the Indian Army.

The Indian Army's post on social media read, "India-US Executive Steering Group #ESG Meeting commenced at HQ US Army Pacific. The Indian delegation, headed by Lt Gen TK Aich DCOAS (Strategy), was briefed upon the capabilities of the Lightning Academy and Aviation Brigade. The #ESG meeting sets the framework to discuss & plan #DefenceCooperation engagements between both the Nations."



India and the US share a comprehensive global strategic partnership, covering almost all areas of human endeavors. This partnership is driven by shared democratic values, convergence of interests on a range of issues, and vibrant people-to-people contacts, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs.

In March, the closing ceremony of the bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Amphibious Exercise between India and the United States, Tiger Triumph 2024, was held onboard the USS Somerset.

The Harbour Phase of the exercise, conducted at Visakhapatnam from March 18-25, included pre-sail discussions, Subject Matter Expert Exchange, Sports engagements, shipboarding drills, and cross-deck visits. Personnel from both navies also celebrated the festival of Holi together on March 25 as part of the cultural exchange program showcasing the vibrant and vivid culture of India, as mentioned by the Indian Navy.

The sea phase of the exercise was conducted from March 26 to 30, which included units of both countries undertaking maritime exercises at sea. This was followed by the landing of troops at Kakinada for the setting up of a joint command and control center and a joint relief and medical camp for HADR operations.

The Indian Navy added that cross-deck helicopter operations involving UH3H, CH53, and MH60R helicopters were undertaken between ships of the Indian Navy and the US Navy off Kakinada and Visakhapatnam. The participating units from the Indian Navy included a landing platform dock, large landing ship tanks, guided missile frigate, and long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

The Indian Army was represented by one Infantry Battalion Group, including mechanized forces, and the Indian Air Force had deployed one medium-lift aircraft, a transport helicopter, and the Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT).