In a strategic move to reinforce India’s joint warfighting capabilities, Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command, visited the Central Air Command headquarters in Prayagraj for a high-level meeting with Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command.
The visit focused on advancing operational coordination between the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, with both commanders emphasizing the importance of “Air-Land Integration” in the face of evolving regional threats. Key discussions included plans for enhanced joint training exercises, disaster response mechanisms, and synchronized mission planning to improve overall combat effectiveness.
Lieutenant General Sengupta, who took charge of Central Command on July 1, 2024, shared insights from his previous commands in Leh and Kashmir, where he led counter-insurgency and high-altitude operations. Air Marshal Manikantan, appointed to his current role on May 1, 2025, brought in his operational expertise from more than 5,400 flying hours, especially in helicopter-based missions.
Established in 1966, the Central Air Command plays a critical role in India’s aerial defence and operates strategic assets like the Mirage 2000 and Ilyushin Il-76. Its coordination with the Army is vital to securing the Indo-Tibet border and ensuring readiness across the country’s heartland.
This high-level engagement signals a renewed focus on tri-service synergy and integrated command structures, both seen as essential for India’s future combat preparedness. Both commanders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and ensuring that the armed forces remain capable of responding swiftly to any security challenge.
