Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi Fortifies Defence Partnership with Australia During Strategic Visit
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi undertook a significant four-day official visit to Australia from February 16 to 19, engaging in comprehensive discussions with senior Australian defence leadership to strengthen bilateral military cooperation. The visit, which included high-level meetings across multiple Australian defence establishments, successfully reviewed existing engagements and established clear pathways for expanding army-to-army collaboration between the two nations.
Strategic Discussions and High-Level Engagements
During his visit, General Dwivedi held substantive meetings with Australia's top defence officials, including calls on the Chief of Defence Forces and the Secretary of the Department of Defence. These discussions centered on enhancing the scope and complexity of joint military exercises, strengthening professional military education exchanges, and promoting greater interoperability between Indian and Australian forces. The Army statement emphasized that these interactions advanced defence cooperation and deepened strategic alignment between the two countries.
Operational Framework Review and Command Interactions
At the Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC), General Dwivedi reviewed Australia's integrated multi-domain operational framework with the Commander Joint Operations. This engagement provided valuable insights into joint planning and execution mechanisms that could inform future collaborative efforts. In Sydney, the Army Chief interacted with leadership from Forces Command, Special Operations Command, and the 2nd Division of the Australian Army, facilitating exchanges on force readiness, operational concepts, and training methodologies.
Focus on AUSTRAHIND Exercise and Institutional Linkages
Particular attention was directed toward the bilateral Army Exercise AUSTRAHIND, with both sides expressing strong commitment to enriching its forthcoming edition scheduled for 2026 in India. In Canberra, General Dwivedi held detailed discussions with Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of the Australian Army. Drawing upon their shared professional background as alumni of the US Army War College (class of 2015), the two military leaders reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening institutional linkages and expanding cooperation avenues.
Comprehensive Dialogue on Future Defence Priorities
A comprehensive round table discussion at Australian Defence Forces Headquarters examined critical issues related to force modernisation, emerging technologies, and future operational environments. The Army Chief also called on Vice-Admiral Justin Jones, Chief of Joint Operations, Australian Defence Force, at the Joint Operations Command, further solidifying the strategic partnership. These multifaceted engagements collectively reinforced the growing defence relationship between India and Australia, setting the stage for enhanced military collaboration in the coming years.
