Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Central Air Command, Indian Air Force, visited a forward IAF base in the UB Hills during Diwali 2026, where he interacted with Indian Air Force and Indian Army personnel deployed at the location.
The visit highlighted the spirit of camaraderie, jointness and operational cooperation between the two Services while providing an opportunity for the senior Air Force officer to celebrate the festival with personnel serving away from their families.
During the festive interaction, Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry distributed sweets among Air Force and Army personnel and conveyed his warm Diwali greetings and best wishes to them and their families. The celebrations reflected the strong bonds of brotherhood, unity and esprit de corps shared by members of the Indian Armed Forces.
As part of his visit, Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry received a detailed briefing on the role, operational responsibilities and achievements of the forward IAF unit. The briefing highlighted the unit’s assigned tasks and contributions towards maintaining operational effectiveness and sustained readiness.
The AOC-in-C appreciated the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by IAF personnel and their Indian Army counterparts in carrying out their responsibilities. He particularly highlighted the importance of jointness, mutual cooperation and seamless operational synergy between the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.
The Air Marshal emphasised the significance of effective coordination between the two Services in maintaining operational preparedness, particularly at forward locations where integrated military capabilities play a crucial role in national defence.
A significant highlight of the visit was Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry’s interaction with Agniveers serving at the forward base. During the interaction, he briefed them on the salient aspects of the recent Union Cabinet approval concerning an additional two-year tour of duty for Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme.
The development represents a significant policy change aimed at providing Agniveers with additional opportunities for continued military service and professional development. The Air Marshal explained the key aspects of the extension and its potential implications for their service careers.
The Agniveers expressed optimism regarding the development and the opportunities it could offer them. Their interaction with the senior Air Force officer provided an opportunity to discuss the evolving service framework and its relevance to their future in the Armed Forces.
The visit also highlighted the growing emphasis on integrated operations between the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. Forward air bases play an important role in supporting military operations, maintaining air readiness and facilitating coordination with ground forces deployed in strategically important regions.
The presence of both Army and Air Force personnel at the location reflected the importance of inter-service cooperation in ensuring effective operational support and maintaining combat preparedness.
Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry acknowledged the contributions of personnel from both Services and appreciated their commitment to maintaining high standards of operational efficiency. His interaction reinforced the Indian Armed Forces’ continuing focus on strengthening joint operational capabilities, improving coordination and ensuring readiness to respond to emerging challenges.
Celebrating Diwali with personnel deployed at a forward military installation also reflected the importance placed by senior military leadership on troop morale and welfare. Personnel serving at forward bases frequently remain away from their families during important festivals while fulfilling their operational responsibilities.
Such visits provide an opportunity for senior commanders to acknowledge their dedication, appreciate their sacrifices and strengthen the sense of belonging within the Armed Forces. The distribution of sweets and exchange of festive greetings created an atmosphere of togetherness, reflecting the traditions of unity and mutual respect that characterise military life.
Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry’s visit to the forward IAF base during Diwali 2026 reaffirmed the Indian Air Force’s commitment to operational excellence, jointness with the Indian Army and the welfare of its personnel. The interaction with Agniveers regarding the two-year service extension further highlighted the Armed Forces’ focus on personnel development, career opportunities and sustained military readiness.
