Interactive Workshops and Hands-On Learning from April 21 to May 30

Chennai, April 16, 2025:  The American Center at the U.S. Consulate General Chennai invites school students to attend free summer activities focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) from April 21 through May 30, 2025.

The program for students in classes 8 through 12 includes immersive and hands-on learning activities and will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, with movie screenings scheduled for Fridays at 10 a.m.  Space is limited and all participants must register in advance for their daily slots via email ChennaiAMCenter@State.Gov or WhatsApp 73056-76662.

STEM learning tools including coding kits such as MicroBits and Snap Circuits, Merge Cube augmented reality experiences, virtual reality goggles, a 3D printer, and NASA-themed LEGO sets are available for participants to immerse in this environment of hands-on enrichment.  Students can also participate in a fun and educational quiz daily for a chance to win prizes, including 3D printed keepsakes and NASA stickers.

Speaking about the initiative, U.S. Consulate General Chennai Public Diplomacy Officer Eric Atkins said, “The American Center is honoring American excellence in STEM through summer sessions that will be a gateway to imagination, discovery, and meaningful learning.  We are proud to offer this free program to help cultivate the next generation of innovators.”

The American Center in Chennai, housed within the U.S. Consulate General, is a cornerstone for learning, dialogue, and inspiration, strengthening the relationship between the United States and India for more than seven decades.  With a library of over 15,000 books and a wealth of multimedia and digital resources, the Center is open to the public each day between 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Translation: Tamil (PDF: 183 KB)

Interaction Highlights U.S.-India Defense Cooperation Through Technology and People-to-People Exchange

Chennai, April 11, 2025:  Seventeen crew members of the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon aircraft interacted with students from Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) University in Vellore, Tamil Nadu on Thursday, April 10.  The U.S. Navy visited the institute alongside a visit to the Indian Naval Air Station INS Rajali as part of the ongoing Tiger Triumph 2025, the fourth iteration of this tri-service joint exercise between the United States and India.

VIT Vice President Dr. Sekar Viswanathan welcomed the service members.  The crew later interacted with students specializing in a variety of cutting-edge technological disciplines, explained the aircraft’s key features, and shared the aircraft’s role in joint operations with the Indian Navy.  The event highlighted the real-world application of emerging technologies in disaster response missions and maritime security.

U.S. Consulate General Chennai Public Diplomacy Officer Eric Atkins said, “Tiger Triumph is a bridge between our people and our shared vision for a secure and resilient Indo-Pacific.  Today’s interaction at VIT University highlights another facet of how innovation, collaboration, and mutual respect can power our partnership forward.”

Lt. Noah Conner, officer in charge of the P-8A attachment, which operates under Commander, Task Force 72 and U.S. 7th Fleet said, “Our team is thrilled to be in India for Tiger Triumph 2025, where we can bring this technology and expertise into a realistic training environment that prepares our joint, combined forces for any mission our nations may require.  One of the most important parts of this exercise is building personal relationships and strengthening the bonds between our people, and that’s what we’ve been able to do with the students at the university. This is a really special occasion that we’ll remember always.”

Held April 1-13 in Visakhapatnam, Tiger Triumph 2025 focuses on refining joint operational capabilities in logistics, command and control, and maritime maneuvers.  This year’s collaborative efforts reaffirm the enduring strength of the U.S.-India defense relationship and the importance of people-to-people ties in shaping a more secure and innovative future for the Indo-Pacific region.

Translation: Tamil (PDF: 160 KB)

BENGALURU (INDIA), FEBRUARY 10:  Jorgan K. Andrews, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i.,U.S. Embassy New Delhi, inaugurated the U.S. Partnership Pavilion at Aero India 2025 on Monday, February 10, underscoring the United States’ commitment to deepening defense and security cooperation with India.

At the opening, Chargé d’Affaires Andrews said, “President Trump and Prime Minister Modi have talked about the need to deepen defense trade between our nations.  I am happy to report that, from small start-ups to the robust defense public sector undertakings to the expanding private defense sector, bilateral defense trade is deepening.”  He added, “The U.S. defense industry has demonstrated its commitment to partnering with India to provide high-quality, technologically advanced defense equipment and systems that are considered the most operationally reliable in the world.”

The United States is one of the largest international exhibitors at Aero India 2025, featuring leading American aerospace and defense firms showcasing next-generation aircraft, advanced avionics, unmanned systems, space technologies, and innovative defense capabilities.  Throughout the event, U.S. government and industry participants will highlight and promote technology sharing, joint ventures, and industrial partnerships that support the U.S-India Major Defense Partnership.

Chargé d’Affaires Andrews led a high-level U.S. delegation, including Consul General Chris Hodges, U.S. Consulate General Chennai; Brigadier General Patrick Teague, Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché, U.S. Embassy New Delhi; and Major General Ricky Mills, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs.  Peter McKenna, Vice President, represented Kallman Worldwide, which, along with the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Defense, organized the U.S. Pavilion at Aero India 2025.

Technical Sergeant Benjamin Huseby of the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific’s ensemble, Final Approach, sang the Indian and the U.S. national anthems at the pavilion opening.

BENGALURU (INDIA), FEBRUARY 9, 2025: For the 15th time, the United States is proud to participate in Aero India 2025 — Asia’s premier aerospace and defense trade show exhibition.  The United States will showcase a range of advanced aircraft, reinforcing the strong and growing defense and aerospace partnership between the United States and India, which share a commitment to promoting regional security, stability, economic prosperity through diversified trade, and strategic investment ties.

At Aero India 2025, more than two dozen American exhibitors will engage Indian counterparts, explore new business opportunities, and demonstrate innovative solutions in aviation and defense.  These companies will display advancements in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), fighter aircraft, advanced avionics, and defense electronics.

U.S. Embassy New Delhi Chargé d’Affaires Jorgan Andrews will lead the high-level U.S. delegation of representatives from the U.S. Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce.  Andrews said, “The United States is excited to once again participate in Aero India and to spotlight our strong defense ties with India. Our cooperation in defense, trade, and training is integral to our growing strategic partnership.”

General Kevin Schneider, Commander, U.S. Pacific Air Forces, Brigadier General Patrick Teague, U.S. Mission India’s Senior Defense Official, and Consul General Chris Hodges, U.S. Consulate General Chennai, are among the senior leaders joining Chargé d’Affaires Andrews in the U.S. Delegation.

Stronger, Deepening Defense Ties:  Since Aero India 2023, the United States and India have deepened defense ties, including through technology innovation, expanded trade, and increased cooperation in maritime security, cybersecurity, logistics, and counter-terrorism operations. U.S. Pacific Air Forces Commander General Kevin Schneider said, “Aero India 2025 is an ideal forum to showcase U.S. defense aircraft and equipment and ultimately contribute toward our compatibility and interoperability with other nations.”  He added, “The growth in Indian and U.S. bilateral defense trade has corresponded with growing interoperability through information sharing, liaison officers, training exercises, and defense enabling agreements.  The importance of our partnership continues to grow, particularly as we face an increasingly complex and dynamic security environment in the Indo-Pacific.”

Aero India 2025 Highlights:  Spectators can expect a display of U.S.-made defense equipment and technology, including F-16, F-35, KC-135 Stratotanker, and B-1 bomber.

The United States Air Force Band of the Pacific’s 10-member ensemble, Final Approach, based out of Yokota Air Base in Japan, will perform for the public throughout the week: at Aero India 2025 on February 13 and 14 and at 5:00 p.m. on February 11 at the Christ University auditorium, Campus Road in Bengaluru.

Press and Media Queries:  For more information, please contact the United States Consulate General press and media unit at ChennaiPDPress@state.gov or +91-7397-599099.

Read the Aero India 2025 Fact Sheet