Aero India 2025, India’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition, provided a platform for key engagements, technological showcases and strategic deliberations aimed at strengthening global military cooperation. Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) demonstrated robust military diplomacy at Aero India 2025, under the leadership of Lt Gen JP Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC). The senior Indian delegation, including Lt General DS Rana, Director General Defence Intelligence Agency and Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Deputy Chief PP&FD conducted extensive bilateral discussions, industry interactions and defence capability assessments, advancing India’s strategic defence partnerships.

Lt Gen JP Mathew’s engagement with Lt Gen Augustine S Malanit, Inspector General of the Armed Forces of Philippines emphasised the need for deeper bilateral military cooperation and exploring opportunities in defence procurement. The CISC also interacted with  Israel’s Elbit Systems representatives, reaffirming the strong India-Israel defence partnership. Demonstrating India’s commitment to defense modernization, he received briefings on the capabilities and performance parameters of various aircraft and also carried out assessments of advanced military systems showcased by the domestic and international defence industry at the Aero India 2025.

Vice Admiral Vatsayan engaged with Maj Gen Ramanka Mokaloba, Chief of Logistics, Lesotho Defence Forces, exploring defense export possibilities. Additional strategic dialogues were conducted with Maj Gen Andrei Matsiyevich, First Deputy Chief of General Staff of Belarusian Armed Forces, strengthening military cooperation with these nations. He also spearheaded crucial meetings with global defense industry leaders from MBDA (Europe), L3Harris (America), Hensoldt (Germany), and Boeing (USA). These strategic interactions concentrated on technology transfer initiatives and establishing defense production facilities under the Make in India initiative, with special emphasis on integrating startups and MSMEs into the defence manufacturing ecosystem.

A series of high-level bilateral meetings showcased India’s growing diplomatic outreach. Notable engagements included discussions with the Japanese delegation led by  Kegoya Masanori, Deputy Director General for Global Combat Air Program (GCAP).  The Italian delegation, under Lt Gen Giuseppe Lupoli, Director of Italian Air Armaments and Air Worthiness Directorate and the French team led by Lt Gen Gael Diaz de Tuesta, engaged in comprehensive discussions on defence manufacturing and technology exchange.

Lt General DS Rana held productive discussions with Brig Gen Ahmed Ghiyas, Vice Chief of Defence Force from Maldives, focusing on joint training opportunities. He held substantive talks on enhancing bilateral military cooperation with the German contingent, headed by Lt Gen (OF-8) Thorsten Michael Poshwatta of the German Air Force, accompanied by Ambassador Philip Ackermann. DG DIA also visited various defence pavilions and stalls at Aero India 2025, where he reviewed advancements in military technology, simulators and warfighting systems, supporting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The engagements held during Aero India 2025 not only strengthen India’s position as an emerging defense manufacturing hub but also advance the nation’s vision of achieving self-reliance in defense production while fostering meaningful international partnerships for global security cooperation. These strategic interactions  underscore India’s focus on self-reliance, innovation and the development of robust international defence collaborations.