Air Marshal I.S. Walia Visits Assam Rifles HQ in Shillong, Reviews Northeast Readiness
Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, AVSM, VM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command, Indian Air Force, visited Headquarters Directorate General Assam Rifles at Laitkor in Shillong on August 17, 2026, for a high-level interaction focused on security coordination in the North Eastern region.
During the visit, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General Assam Rifles, briefed the Air Marshal on the force’s operational readiness, current deployment and ongoing activities across the Northeast. The briefing also covered the wider security situation in the region and the Assam Rifles’ continuing role in supporting peace, security and stability.
The exchange came against the backdrop of the difficult terrain and complex operational environment that security forces face in the Northeast. Discussions touched on the challenges posed by the region’s geography and the need for strong coordination among the various forces operating there.
The meeting was used to review areas of mutual interest and to further strengthen operational coordination between the Assam Rifles and the Indian Air Force. According to the account of the visit, closer synergy between the two forces remains important for responding effectively to changing security requirements in the region.
Air Marshal Walia’s interaction also reinforced the importance of joint preparedness, information sharing and coordinated responses in dealing with security challenges across the Northeast. The visit highlighted the close operational relationship between the Assam Rifles and the Indian Air Force and their shared commitment to maintaining security, stability and peace in the region.
