On 5th January 2009, Senior officials from the U.S. Army, Pacific, joined by the Marine Forces Pacific and Special Operations Command, Pacific, met with members of the Indian army for the 13th annual Indian Executive Steering Group to coordinate training engagements between the ground forces of the two countries.

“Since 1995, we have met annually to enhance our relationship and we have made significant progress over the last many years,” said Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commander, U.S. Army, Pacific, who gave opening remarks with his counterpart Lt. Gen. A.S. Sekhon, Indian army director of general military operations. “Our relationship with India has been and will continue to be a centerpiece of our strategy with the United States Army in the Pacific.”

Mixon addressed plans to build a strategic partnership through eight initiatives established by U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey and Indian army Chief of Staff Gen Deepak Kapoor to enhance cooperation.

“It started from a lower level of cooperation, with subject matter engagements to tactical level exercises with boots on the ground, and I think the doctrinal exchange such as this ESG has really paved the way to take this cooperation further towards higher cooperations” Sekhon emphasized.

The week’s events include review and assessment of 2008′s joint and combined training events and coordination of future actions between both militaries.