Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, AVSM, VM, AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command, Indian Air Force, visited Headquarters Directorate General Assam Rifles at Laitkor, Shillong, on August 17, 2026.

During the visit, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General Assam Rifles, briefed Air Marshal Walia on the force’s operational readiness, deployment and ongoing activities across the North Eastern region.
The briefing provided an overview of the prevailing security dynamics in the Northeast and highlighted the continued role of Assam Rifles in maintaining peace, security and stability across the region.

Discussions during the visit also focused on the operational challenges associated with the difficult terrain of the Northeast and the importance of maintaining effective coordination among security forces operating in the region.
The visit provided an opportunity to review areas of mutual interest and further strengthen operational coordination between the Assam Rifles and the Indian Air Force. Greater synergy between the two forces remains important for responding effectively to evolving security requirements in the region.

Air Marshal Walia’s visit also reaffirmed the importance of joint preparedness, information sharing and coordinated responses in addressing security challenges across the Northeast.
The interaction underscored the close operational relationship between the Assam Rifles and the Indian Air Force and their shared commitment towards maintaining security, stability and peace in the North Eastern region.
