New Delhi

Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi has concluded his four-day official visit to Australia from February 16 to 19, marking a significant step forward in strengthening India–Australia defence cooperation and strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific, the Indian Army said on Thursday.

During the visit, General Dwivedi held extensive engagements with senior leadership of the Australian Defence Force, reviewing ongoing bilateral initiatives and identifying new avenues to deepen army-to-army collaboration. Discussions focused on expanding the scope and complexity of joint military exercises, enhancing professional military education exchanges, and promoting greater interoperability between the two forces.

In Sydney, the Army Chief interacted with the leadership of the Australian Army’s Forces Command (FORCOMD), Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) and the 2nd Division. These interactions provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on force readiness, operational doctrines and training methodologies. Particular emphasis was placed on the bilateral Army Exercise AUSTRAHIND, with both armies agreeing to further enhance its scale and content ahead of its next edition, scheduled to be hosted in India in 2026.

In Canberra, General Dwivedi was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour and held detailed discussions with Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of the Australian Army. Drawing on their shared professional background as alumni of the United States Army War College (Class of 2015), the two Army Chiefs reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening institutional linkages and broadening cooperation. A round-table meeting at Australian Defence Forces Headquarters also deliberated on force modernisation, emerging technologies and future operational environments.

The COAS addressed officers at the Australian Command and Staff College and interacted with senior leadership at the Australian Defence College, underscoring the importance of adaptive leadership, jointness and multinational cooperation in addressing contemporary security challenges.

As part of his engagements, General Dwivedi also called on the Chief of Defence Forces and the Secretary of the Department of Defence. At Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC), he reviewed Australia’s integrated, multi-domain operational framework with the Commander Joint Operations, gaining insights into joint planning and execution mechanisms.

The visit included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, where the Army Chief paid tribute to fallen soldiers and acknowledged the shared legacy of sacrifice linking the armed forces of both nations. He also met Indian defence veterans residing in Australia, reaffirming the enduring bond between the Indian Armed Forces and its global veteran community.

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According to the Indian Army, the visit has imparted fresh momentum to India–Australia defence ties, strengthened professional bonds at the highest levels of military leadership, and reinforced the shared commitment of both countries to peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.