New Delhi

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Upendra Dwivedi will undertake an official visit to Australia from February 16 to 19, 2026, aimed at deepening defence cooperation and reinforcing the growing strategic alignment between the two countries.

According to an official release, the visit is expected to advance army-to-army engagements, including joint training initiatives, bilateral exercises, professional military exchanges and capacity-building efforts.

Engagements in Sydney

During his time in Sydney, General Dwivedi will interact with senior leaders of Forces Command (FORCOMD), Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) and the 2nd Division of the Australian Army.

The 2nd Division regularly participates in the bilateral Army exercise Exercise AUSTRAHIND, with the next edition scheduled to be hosted by India in 2026.

Meetings in Canberra

In Canberra, the Army Chief will receive a ceremonial Guard of Honour before holding discussions with Simon Stuart, Chief of the Australian Army. Both officers are alumni of the US Army War College’s Class of 2015.

The programme includes a roundtable at Australian Defence Forces Headquarters focusing on defence modernisation, operational cooperation and future military engagements. General Dwivedi will also meet the Commander of the Australian Defence College and address officers at the Australian Command and Staff College.

In addition, he is scheduled to call on the Chief of the Defence Force and the Secretary of the Department of Defence. At Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC), he will receive briefings on the operational framework of the Australian Defence Forces, including integrated and multi-domain operations.

Commemorative and Community Outreach

As part of the visit, General Dwivedi will lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial to honour fallen soldiers and acknowledge the shared traditions of service and sacrifice.

He will also interact with Indian defence veterans residing in Australia, highlighting continued engagement between the Indian Armed Forces and its veteran community abroad.

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The visit underscores the shared commitment of India and Australia to enhance defence collaboration and contribute jointly to peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.