Defence – Army Chiefs Review India-Australia Strategic Partnership
Defence – The Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, held extensive talks with senior Australian military leadership during his official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral defence ties between the two countries.
General Dwivedi is currently on a four-day visit to Australia from February 16 to 19, as part of efforts to deepen military cooperation and reinforce the expanding strategic partnership between New Delhi and Canberra.
Ceremonial Welcome in Canberra
The Indian Army Chief was formally received at the Russell Offices in Canberra, where he was accorded a Guard of Honour. He later met Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of the Australian Army, for detailed discussions on advancing military cooperation.
According to officials, the two commanders share a professional connection as alumni of the United States Army War College, having completed the same course in 2015. The shared academic background, military sources noted, has helped foster mutual understanding and strengthened institutional links between the two armies.
Focus on Regional Security and Joint Exercises
During their meeting, both sides reviewed the current state of defence collaboration and assessed evolving security developments in the Indo-Pacific region. They also explored possibilities to widen the scope and complexity of joint military exercises conducted by India and Australia.
Officials indicated that the dialogue covered operational cooperation, capability enhancement, and avenues for deeper engagement at multiple levels. The discussions reflected the steady progress made in recent years in aligning defence priorities and expanding practical cooperation between the two nations.
The Australian side also briefed General Dwivedi on key operational developments and modernisation initiatives within the Australian Army, underlining the growing convergence in strategic outlook.
Engagement at Australian Defence College
As part of his itinerary, General Dwivedi visited the Australian Defence College, where he met Major General Martin White, Commander of the institution, and Brigadier Lara Troy, Commandant of the Australian War College.
He later interacted with faculty members and student officers at the Australian Command and Staff College. Addressing the gathering, the Indian Army Chief spoke about contemporary military leadership, emerging strategic challenges, and the changing role of armed forces in an increasingly complex security environment.
His remarks highlighted the importance of jointness among services, adaptability in the face of rapid technological and geopolitical shifts, and the value of professional military education in preparing future leaders. The interaction was seen as an opportunity to exchange perspectives and strengthen academic cooperation between the two militaries.
Tribute at Australian War Memorial
During his visit, General Dwivedi also paid homage at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. He laid a wreath and attended the solemn Last Post Ceremony, a tradition that honours soldiers who laid down their lives in service.
The ceremony underscored shared values of sacrifice, duty, and remembrance that form an important foundation of military relationships worldwide. Officials described the tribute as a symbolic gesture reflecting the enduring respect and camaraderie between the armed forces of India and Australia.
Strengthening a Growing Defence Partnership
The Ministry of Defence has described the visit as part of sustained efforts to further consolidate India-Australia defence cooperation. In recent years, both countries have expanded engagement through joint exercises, training exchanges, and high-level dialogues.
The latest interactions between the two army chiefs are expected to provide fresh momentum to military collaboration, particularly in areas related to regional stability and operational interoperability.
As India and Australia continue to enhance coordination across multiple domains, the visit marks another step in reinforcing a partnership that has gained strategic significance in the broader Indo-Pacific landscape.