Air Marshal Surat Singh and Jharkhand Governor Discuss Enhancing Security and Development Initiatives

On Thursday, Air Marshal Surat Singh, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command, visited the Raj Bhavan for a formal meeting with the Governor of Jharkhand, Shri Santosh Gangwar. The talks primarily focused on enhancing national security frameworks and advancing developmental initiatives in line with the Viksit Bharat vision.

Governor Gangwar extended a warm welcome to Air Marshal Singh, acknowledging the pivotal role played by the Indian Air Force in national defense, disaster relief, and regional stability. He praised the professionalism, courage, and dedication of the Air Force personnel, offering his best wishes to all the Air Warriors.

The meeting delved into discussions about the strategic importance of eastern India, which grapples with various challenges from border security to disaster management. As Jharkhand is rich in mineral resources and forms a critical part of India's industrial framework, the synergy between security and development was deemed essential for national progress.

Air Marshal Singh emphasized the Indian Air Force's efforts to improve surveillance, rapid response capabilities, and cooperation with civil authorities. He assured the continued support of the IAF in providing humanitarian aid, particularly in disaster-prone areas where air mobility is crucial for saving lives.

The Eastern Air Command, based in Shillong, oversees air operations across a wide area covering the eastern and northeastern states. Its strategic duties include protecting borders with China, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, and ensuring readiness in geopolitically sensitive areas.

The Command has been instrumental in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions, such as flood relief, evacuations, and medical aid in the eastern region. Air Marshal Singh reiterated the Command's dedication to preparing for both conventional and non-traditional threats.

The meeting also addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047, which sees security and development as complementary pillars. Governor Gangwar highlighted the necessity of a secure environment to sustain Jharkhand's economic growth and industrial expansion, particularly in mining, steel production, and renewable energy sectors.

Air Marshal Singh recognized that the evolving capabilities of the IAF—from advanced aircraft induction to space-based surveillance—align with national developmental objectives, as secure skies and rapid mobility are vital to India's ambition of becoming a developed nation.

The discussion concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen civil-military ties, with both leaders pledging to collaborate for the security, development, and welfare of the people of Jharkhand and the eastern region.