The three-day Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC), Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS), and Senior Enlisted Leaders Form (SELF) -2023 event co-hosted by the Indian Army and the US Army concluded in New Delhi today. The event featured participation from 30 countries, with 18 countries represented by their Army Chiefs and 12 countries by Heads of Delegations. The primary focus was to facilitate discussions on security and mutual interests, with an emphasis on promoting ‘Peace and Stability’ in the Indo-Pacific region.
The event began with a meeting between General Randy George, Chief of Staff (COS) of the US Army, and General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army on September 25, 2023, discussing mutual interests and contemporary issues.
On September 26, 2023, both Chiefs and Heads of Delegations paid tribute at the National War Memorial and conducted a Joint Press Briefing. During this briefing, COAS Indian Army highlighted the region’s complexities and challenges, while COS of the US Army stressed the role of land power in maintaining regional security.
The Opening Ceremony was addressed by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, and attended by General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Defence Staff. Hon’ble Raksha Mantri emphasized the Indo-Pacific region’s potential and complexities, underlining India’s commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. A Commemorative Journal was also released during the event.
As part of the 13th IPACC, a Chief’s Round Table Conference discussed “Sustaining Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.” Several themes were addressed by senior officers, highlighting the need for an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
Bilateral meetings between COAS Indian Army and Chiefs of participating countries were conducted, addressing various regional concerns.
The 47th IPAMS included plenary sessions on topics like “Partnering for Sustainable Peace and Security in the Indo-Pacific,” “Cooperation to Enhance Interoperability,” and “Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).” Discussions emphasized the need for collaborative responses to regional challenges.
The 9th SELF featured discussions on “Interoperability Amongst Indo-Pacific Armies,” “Grooming Junior Leaders for Modern Battlefield,” and “Beyond the Barracks- Addressing Senior Enlisted Leaders’ Concerns.”
A Special Plenary for spouses focused on their roles and challenges in fostering military communities.
The event also featured an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Equipment Display showcasing India’s capability to produce world-class military equipment indigenously.
A guided tour of Gandhi Smriti and a cultural evening were organized to showcase India’s heritage.
The Closing Ceremony on September 27, 2023, was attended by Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt. The event ended with a Flag Handing Over Ceremony, where the IPACC and IPAMS flags were transferred from the Indian Army to the US Army.
The event facilitated discussions, built bonds, and achieved shared objectives, reinforcing the importance of dialogue and cooperation among Indo-Pacific countries. All participating nations expressed gratitude to the co-hosts and the Indian Army for their warm hospitality.