General Bikram Singh scheduled to visit Maldives from May 8-10; Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha underlines the importance of IAF’s vision statement “People First Mission Always”
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    • (MAY 5-11)

    Reports noted that India’s Chief of the Army Staff, General Bikram Singh is scheduled to visit Maldives from May 8-10, 2014. The visit assumes special significance in the light of improving military cooperation between the two countries in consonance with India’s growing relationship with Maldives. In this regard, it is important to recall that the successful visits of the Maldives Minister of Defence and National Security in December 13, President in January 14 and the Chief of Defence Force in February & March 14 and India’s Defence Minister in September 13 and External Affairs Minister in February 14 have also contributed significantly to the consolidation of the existing ties. During the visit, the Chief is scheduled to interact with various high level political and military dignitaries of Maldives. It include the President, Minister for Defence and National Security, Chief of Defence Force and other dignitaries of Maldives. Issues of mutual interest and cooperation will be discussed during the visit. 1

    In another development, according to reports, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha was on a day’s visit to Chandigarh to 12 Wing and 3 Base Repair Depot (BRD), Air Force. During his visit the CAS was briefed on the operations and various other activities carried out by this base. 12 Wing, AF is a premier operational transport base and a lifeline to the northern Himalayan region. It operates in an environment with the most hostile terrain and weather conditions supporting all operations in the Northern Himalayan region. 3 BRD, AF carry out repair, overhaul and maintenance of MI-8, Mi -17, Mi 17 1V and MI-17 V5 helicopters. Presently it is involved in the induction of the state of the art Mi 17 V 5 helicopters. During his visit the CAS urged the personnel to keep abreast with the modern developments and technologies for smooth and better absorption of modern equipment in the IAF. The Chief underlined the importance of IAFs vision statement “People First Mission Always” and stressed on the need for self-reliance. 2

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