JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM --
Indian Air Force (IAF) leaders visited Headquarters Pacific Air Forces for the annual India Executive Steering Group (ESG) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, April 30-May 3, 2019.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, 5th Air Force Commander hosted Indian Air Force leaders for the 22nd iteration of the ESG. The steering group, held in the United States or India, allows senior leaders from both air forces to determine future engagements.

“Our leaders at [Indo-Pacific Command] and the Department of Defense place high value on the relationship the U.S. has with India,” said United States Air Force Lt. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, 5th Air Force commander. “I think we’re very clear eyed about the challenges that are out there, not only in this region, but those that manifest around the world. There are capabilities that we have together that can keep those challenges in check.”

The group discussed various topics including exercises, humanitarian aid, and subject matter expert exchanges.

“India and the U.S. share many common values, challenges and security concerns,” said Indian Air Force Air Marshal Amit Dev, IAF Director General Air Operations. “The Indo-Pacific region has become an area of strategic competition and is definitely worthy of greater attention and strong commitment from all of us.”

The U.S. Air Force and IAF recently attended the Aero India exhibition in February, which serves as India’s premier aerospace exhibition and trade show.

The two air forces continue working bilaterally and in cooperation with like-minded partners, to advance a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region.