As tensions simmer between India and Canada following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s remarks concerning the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canada’s Deputy Army Chief Major General Peter Scott has reaffirmed the commitment to building army-to-army relationships during his attendance at the 13th biannual Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC).
Major General Scott stated, “I am fully aware of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement. The government’s stance and request for India to participate in and cooperate in the investigation have no impact on us here at the Indo-Pacific conference. We’re really here to build relationships from army to army, and we’ll let our governments deal with that issue themselves.”
Expressing enthusiasm, Scott emphasized Canada’s eagerness to engage in training and exercises with partners in the Indo-Pacific region. “We’re very grateful to be here as part of the Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPAC), 2023. Canada continues to look for opportunities where we can participate in training or exercises with partners in the Indo-Pacific region,” he noted.
Scott highlighted the significance of the conference, offering a platform for leaders from various nations with common interests to convene. He expressed gratitude to India for hosting the event and noted that between the armies of India and Canada, opportunities for collaboration in areas such as training, officer exchange programs, educational opportunities, and joint exercises could be explored.
Major General Peter Scott also mentioned his recent meeting with Indian Army Commander General Manoj Pande, describing the interaction as an opportunity to convey Canada’s appreciation for being part of the conference.
The Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC), the Indo-Pacific Army Management Seminar (IPAMS), and the Senior Enlisted Forum, hosted by the armies of India and the United States, are being held in the national capital from September 25-27. This gathering represents the largest conference for land forces in the region and aims to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific through dialogue, mutual understanding, and friendship.
Army Chief General Manoj Pande, addressing the conference, emphasized the interconnectedness of nations in the Indo-Pacific region and the necessity for collaborative security efforts. The conference’s theme, “Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region,” reflects the commitment to address regional challenges collectively.
The event features plenary sessions and breakout discussions on topics such as peacekeeping operations, humanitarian aid/disaster relief, leadership development, and women’s empowerment, along with insights from eminent guest speakers. Participation in IPAMS has grown significantly over the years, highlighting the growing importance of cooperative efforts in addressing regional security challenges.
Sources By Agencies
