Ivorian air chief meets IAF chief, discusses strengthening defence cooperation

New Delhi: The chief of air staff of the Côte d’Ivoire air force, Major General Koffi N’Guessan Alfred met the Indian Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh in New Delhi on Monday and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation between the two air forces. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral defence engagement and exploring avenues for greater cooperation between the two air forces.

Earlier on Monday, the Ivorian air chief met the defence secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh, and discussed ongoing and potential areas of defence cooperation, with a focus on strengthening the capabilities of the Côte d’Ivoire air force, the defence ministry said in a post on X. The meeting came as the two countries look to expand their defence partnership through greater military-to-military engagement and capacity building.

India and Côte d’Ivoire have been expanding defence ties, particularly in areas such as training, capacity building and military-to-military cooperation. The two sides have also been exploring new avenues for cooperation in defence production and capability development.

The two countries have also stepped up institutional defence engagement. India organized the first India-Côte d’Ivoire defence seminar in Abidjan in July 2025, bringing together officials and defence industry representatives to discuss opportunities for closer cooperation.

The latest meetings in New Delhi underline India’s growing focus on expanding defence partnerships with African countries. They also point to greater scope for cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire in areas including training, capacity building and air force-to-air force engagement.