Strengthening Strategic Defence Ties
The visit underscores the growing convergence between India and Australia on defence and security matters. During his engagements, General Dwivedi will hold extensive discussions with senior leaders of the Australian Defence Forces, focusing on expanding army-to-army cooperation.
Key areas of discussion are expected to include joint exercises, training initiatives, professional military exchanges and capacity-building measures. The visit reflects both nations’ shared commitment to ensuring peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.
According to the official release by the Press Information Bureau, the visit aims to further consolidate bilateral defence cooperation.
Engagements in Sydney
In Sydney, the Army Chief will interact with senior leadership of Forces Command (FORCOMD), Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) and the 2nd Division of the Australian Army. These discussions will focus on operational cooperation and joint training mechanisms.
The 2nd Division plays an important role in the bilateral Army Exercise AUSTRAHIND, a key platform for strengthening military interoperability between the two nations. The next edition of the exercise is scheduled to be hosted in India in 2026.
High-Level Meetings in Canberra
Upon arrival in Canberra, General Dwivedi will receive a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour. He will then meet Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of the Australian Army. Notably, both military leaders are alumni of the US Army War College, Class of 2015, sharing a longstanding professional association.
The meeting will be followed by a comprehensive roundtable discussion at the Australian Defence Forces Headquarters. Talks are expected to focus on defence modernization, evolving operational doctrines and future warfare challenges.
The Army Chief will also interact with the Commander of the Australian Defence College and address officers at the Australian Command and Staff College, highlighting India’s strategic outlook and defence reforms.
Operational Briefings and Tribute
General Dwivedi is scheduled to call on Australia’s Chief of Defence Forces and the Secretary of the Department of Defence during his visit. He will also visit the Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC), where he will receive briefings on Australia’s integrated and multi-domain operational framework.
As part of the visit, the Army Chief will lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial, paying homage to fallen soldiers and honouring the shared legacy of sacrifice between the two countries.
He will also meet Indian defence veterans residing in Australia, reaffirming the enduring bond between the Indian Armed Forces and its global veteran community.
Indo-Pacific Focus
The visit comes at a time when both India and Australia are working closely under multiple bilateral and multilateral frameworks to ensure regional stability. Defence cooperation has emerged as a cornerstone of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
Through enhanced military engagement and collaborative initiatives, both sides aim to build greater interoperability and readiness in addressing emerging security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
General Dwivedi’s visit is expected to further elevate the defence relationship and reinforce the shared strategic vision of India and Australia.
