Economically, the region of Indo-Pacific is a centre of global trade and commerce, and therefore of increasing strategic importance. Recently, the Army Chiefs, Vice-Chiefs and Delegates from nearly 30 countries met in New Delhi met to brain storm, exchange ideas and views on security and other contemporary issues of mutual interest, with core efforts directed to promote ‘Peace and Stability’ in the Indo-Pacific region. The event, the Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC), Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS), and Senior Enlisted Leaders Forum (SELF) for 2023 concluded on September 27, 2023, marking the end of a three-day event that brought together the military minds from across the globe. Representing 6 continents, 18 countries were represented by Chiefs of their respective Armies, and 12 countries were represented by Heads of Delegations. Organised by the Indian Army with the US Army as the co-host, this diplomatic extravaganza aimed to foster collaborative efforts for ‘Peace and Stability’ in the Indo-Pacific region.

Embarking on the Journey

The event commenced with a curtain-raiser on September 20, 2023, setting the stage for an extraordinary display of international cooperation. Guided by the theme ‘Together for Peace: Fostering Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region,’ the conference aimed to delve into crucial discussions on security matters transcending national boundaries.

The Global Significance of Indo-Pacific

Situated deliberately in the heart of the Indo-Pacific region, recognised as the “nexus of global affairs,” the conference thoroughly explored the region’s profound importance. With a population encompassing 64 per cent of the world’s total and a substantial contribution of 63 per cent to the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it holds a pivotal role in world merchandise trade, accounting for 46 per cent. Additionally, the region commands 50 per cent of the world’s maritime trade, featuring coastlines abundant in maritime resources and coveted rare earth metals. Notably, it houses seven of the world’s largest armies, renowned for their effective collaboration across diverse realms, ranging from joint military exercises to humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations. India’s strategic geographical location, overseeing crucial sea lanes through which 90 per cent of trade and energy resources traverse, firmly establishes its integral role in the “India-Pacific.”

Three Pillars of Discussion

• IPACC (Indo-Pacific Armies Chief Conference): Bringing together Army Chiefs from the Asia Pacific region, IPACC focused on high-level dialogues. Topics included Enhancing Collaboration and Interoperability, Military Diplomacy, Self-Reliance, and Sustaining Peace in the Indo-Pacific Region.
• IPAMS (Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar): Attended by highranking Army Officers, IPAMS sought to enhance regional military interaction. Themes such as Partnering for Sustainable Peace, Cooperation for Interoperability, and Humanitarian Assistance were discussed.
• SELF (Senior Enlisted Leadership Forum): Fostering open dialogue among enlisted leaders, junior officers, and non-commissioned officers, SELF explored themes like Interoperability, Grooming Junior Leaders, and Addressing Senior Enlisted Leaders’ Concerns.

India’s Vision for Indo-Pacific

The vision of India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, echoed through the conference, reiterating the commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Emphasising shared concerns about stability in the region, leaders highlighted initiatives like the QUAD and the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness.

The Journey Unfolds

The curtain raiser on September 20 set the stage for this mega event, followed by a call-on between General Randy George, Chief of Staff of the US Army, and General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff, Indian Army, on September 25, 2023. This event marked General Randy’s maiden visit to the country after having taken charge as the 41st chief of staff of the United States Army on September 21, 2023. Subsequent days witnessed the laying of wreaths at the National War Memorial and a Joint Press Brief by COAS Indian Army and COS of the US Army. The sidelines of the event were adorned by showcasing rich cultural diversity and visits to heritage sites in Delhi.

Opening Ceremony and Key Addresses

A joint press conference was addressed by General Manoj Pande and General Randy George, showcasing a perfect example of what can be achieved when nations come together with a common purpose. The central theme for the deliberations was set, ‘Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.’

The Joint Press Brief was followed by the Opening Ceremony graced by the presence of India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Defence Staff, was in attendance. During the ceremony, IPACC and IPAMS flags were trooped in followed by the National Anthems of the USA and India. COAS Indian Army and COS of US Army welcomed all participants. The Defence Minister emphasised the untapped potential of the Indo-Pacific, “India stands for a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific.” He reiterated, “Our efforts to build robust military partnerships with friendly countries underscore our commitment to safeguard national interests and address global challenges.”

A Commemorative Journal was released to mark the occasion. During the ceremony, the Army Chief cited the vision for the Indo-Pacific, as Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), the essence of which can be found in the words of our Prime Minister, who said, ‘When the oceans are open, the seas are secure, countries are connected, the rule of law prevails and the region is stable, nations, small and large, prosper as sovereign countries.’ The Army Chief further stated, “Our commitment towards positively engaging all stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific has been unwavering and enduring, over the years. This finds reflection in our policy initiatives and participation in various regional strategic frameworks, be it BIMSTEC, IORA, India-ASEAN engagements, Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative, SAGAR, QUAD and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, to name a few. The G20 presidency this year has further enhanced India’s role, engagement and outreach.”

Chief’s Round Table Conference and Bilateral Meetings

Under the theme “Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region,” the Chief ’s Round Table Conference featured discussions on Collaboration, Diplomacy, and Self-Reliance. Bilateral meetings between COAS Indian Army and Chiefs of participating countries further solidified collaborative efforts. The COAS Indian Army also held bilateral meetings with Chiefs of the armies of the participating countries. He held one-to-one discussions with General Morishita Yasunori (Japan), Lt General Simon Stuart (Australia), Lt General Mguyen Doan Anh (Vietnam), Lt General Peter Mbogo Njiru (Kenya), Prasiddha Prabal Janesewashree General Prabhu Ram Sharma (Nepal), General Sheikh Md Shafiuddin Ahmed (Bangladesh), Major General John Boswell (New Zealand), General Sir Patrick Sanders (UK), Lt General Mao Sophan (Cambodia), General Jung Hwan Park, Republic of Korea, General Pierre Schill (France) and General Datuk Muhammad Hafizuddeain Bin Jantan (Malaysia). Lt General M.V. Suchindra Kumar, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, also held bilateral meetings with the heads of delegations of Brazil, Singapore, Mongolia, and Thailand.

Plenary Sessions and Themes at IPAMS

The 47th IPAMS saw plenary sessions covering themes like Partnering for Sustainable Peace, Cooperation for Interoperability, and HADR Mechanisms. Discussions emphasised the need for collective responses to strengthen Indo-Pacific nations against diverse challenges. It emerged during the discussions that nations need to work together to strengthen the collective responses. This collaborative effort is not built overnight, and therefore, IPAMS provided the platform to build a connect, confidence, and commitment for the future.

Unique Insights at SELF

The 9th SELF delved into themes like Interoperability, Grooming Junior Leaders, and Addressing Senior Enlisted Leaders’ Concerns, offering a unique forum for functional-level discussions, sharing best practices, and idea exchange.

Special Plenary for Spouses and Cultural Exchange

A special plenary for spouses was conducted on the theme “Beyond the Barracks: Roles and Challenges in Fostering Military Communities and Sharing Best Practices”. The session highlighted the roles and challenges in fostering military communities. The event also showcased India’s rich culture through performances, a guided tour of Gandhi Samriti, National War memorial and an evening dedicated to the ‘Colours of India.’

Exhibition on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’

An ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Equipment Display showcased India’s capability to produce world-class military equipment indigenously. 31 corporates participated in the exhibition; the main highlights were Drones, Counter-Drone Systems, Modular Firing Ranges, Small Arms, NAVIC based devices, Surveillance Systems, Protective Gear, Self-Propelled Artillery Guns, Military Vehicles, etc.

Closing Ceremony

The Closing Ceremony, held on September 27, featured Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt expressing his gratitude to the delegates. The Flag Handing Over ceremony symbolised the collaborative exchange between the Indian Army and the US Army.

Bonds Forged and Outcomes Achieved

The intense discussions and engagements between Chiefs, Heads of Delegations, Senior Officers, Junior Leaders, and spouses facilitated bonds between the Armies. The event achieved outcomes such as a shared vision for military cooperation, collective responsibility, sharing best practices, appreciating areas and communities vulnerable to climate change, and synergising the approach to HADR response. The importance of open and sustained dialogue was reinforced.

A Symbolic Conclusion

In a symbolic gesture, the concluding ceremony was conducted by the Indian Army Chief, Minister of State for Defence and General Charles Flynn from the US Army. As the flags changed hands, the event left an indelible mark on the shared journey toward peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The participating nations thanked the co-hosts for the warm hospitality, marking the end of a comprehensive and collaborative event.