New Delhi, May 12 -- Exercise Garuda VIII represents both culmination and foundation-the peak of over two decades of joint air combat training and the starting point for deeper collaboration. The exercise demonstrated that successful defence cooperation requires long-term commitment, investment in interoperability and mutual respect. Technical compatibility alone is insufficient; cultural understanding, transparency in identifying and addressing capability gaps and integration of operational cooperation into a broader strategic partnership are essential. As the IAF and FASF continue to modernise and adapt to new operational demands, the groundwork laid by Garuda VIII positions both nations to strengthen bilateral ties and contribute to wide...