Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Eastern Air Command of the Indian Air Force on February 1, 2026.
He succeeds Air Marshal Surat Singh, who retired on January 31 after 39 years of service.
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An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Walia was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on June 11, 1988. Over his career spanning more than three decades, he has flown over 3,200 hours accident-free on aircraft including the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar, and Su-30 MKI.
He has commanded a MiG-27 Squadron, the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), and a frontline air base. A Fighter Strike Leader and Instrument Rating Instructor & Examiner, he has completed advanced courses in the UK and Bangladesh. His international assignments include serving as Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Japan and South Korea.
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At Air Headquarters, he held key positions such as Air Commodore at the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training), and Air Defence Commander at HQ Western Air Command. Before taking over as AOC-in-C, he was Senior Air Staff Officer at HQ Eastern Air Command.
For his distinguished service, Air Marshal Walia received the Vayu Sena Medal (VM) in 2008 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2018. His appointment marks a continuation of strong leadership at the Eastern Air Command, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s eastern skies.
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