Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry Marks Diwali with IAF, Army Personnel at Forward Base

Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of Central Air Command, Indian Air Force, visited a forward IAF base in the UB Hills during Diwali 2026 and spent time with Indian Air Force and Indian Army personnel deployed there.

The visit combined festive outreach with an operational review, reflecting both the personal and professional dimensions of a senior commander’s presence at a remote military installation. Air Marshal Chaudhry met troops serving away from their families, distributed sweets and conveyed Diwali greetings and best wishes to them and their families.

The interactions at the base underscored camaraderie, jointness and operational cooperation between the two Services. The celebrations also reflected the bonds of brotherhood, unity and esprit de corps that are central to life in the armed forces, particularly at forward locations where personnel work in challenging conditions and remain on alert for operational tasks.

As part of the visit, the Air Marshal received a detailed briefing on the forward unit’s role, its operational responsibilities and its achievements. The briefing focused on the tasks assigned to the formation and its contribution to maintaining operational effectiveness and sustained readiness.

According to the account of the visit, Chaudhry appreciated the dedication and professionalism shown by IAF personnel and their Indian Army counterparts in discharging their duties. He also stressed the importance of jointness, mutual cooperation and seamless operational synergy between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

The emphasis on cooperation was particularly relevant at a forward base, where integrated military capabilities play a critical role in national defence. Such locations support operational preparedness, enable air readiness and help the Services work together in strategically important areas.

A notable part of the visit was Chaudhry’s interaction with Agniveers serving at the base. During the exchange, he briefed them on the salient aspects of the recent Union Cabinet approval for an additional two-year tour of duty for Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme.

The extension represents an important policy development for Agniveers, offering additional opportunities for continued military service and professional growth. The Air Marshal explained the key aspects of the decision and its possible implications for their service careers.

The Agniveers, in turn, expressed optimism about the development and the opportunities it could open up for them. Their interaction with the senior officer also provided a setting to discuss the evolving service framework and what it means for their future in the armed forces.

The visit also drew attention to the growing emphasis on integrated operations between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. Forward air bases like the one in the UB Hills are important for sustaining military operations and maintaining combat preparedness, while also facilitating coordination with ground forces in sensitive regions.

Personnel from both Services were present at the location, reflecting the practical importance of inter-service cooperation in ensuring effective operational support. Chaudhry acknowledged their contributions and praised their commitment to maintaining high standards of operational efficiency.

His Diwali interaction with troops also highlighted the role senior military leadership plays in supporting morale and welfare at remote posts. Personnel deployed at forward bases often spend major festivals away from home while continuing to carry out their duties.

Visits of this kind allow senior commanders to recognise that service, appreciate the sacrifices involved and reinforce a sense of belonging within the armed forces. The exchange of greetings and distribution of sweets created a festive atmosphere that matched the traditions of unity and mutual respect associated with military life.

Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry’s visit to the forward IAF base during Diwali 2026 thus combined celebration, recognition and operational engagement. It reaffirmed the Indian Air Force’s focus on operational excellence, jointness with the Indian Army and the welfare of its personnel, while the interaction with Agniveers also reflected the services’ attention to personnel development, career opportunities and sustained readiness.