New Delhi, February 20 (). Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has spoken to the senior commanders of the Australian Army in Sydney. According to the Army, military preparations, new methods of training and future challenges were openly discussed here.
Special focus was on India-Australia joint military exercise ‘AustraHind’. In such a situation, it is believed that the next edition of ‘AustraHind’ to be held in India in 2026 will be more comprehensive and effective than before. In fact, a new chapter was added this week in the relations between India and Australia.
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited Australia from 16 to 19 February 2026. This visit was not limited to just formal meetings, but proved to further strengthen strategic understanding and mutual trust. General Dwivedi met senior officers of the Australian Defense Forces. The ongoing joint military exercises, exchange of military education and further broadening of operational cooperation between the two sides were discussed in detail.
The special thing was that the armies of both the countries agreed to make their joint exercises more effective in the future. In Sydney, General Dwivedi interacted with officers of the Forces Command, Special Operations Command and the 2nd Division of the Australian Army. During this, discussions were held on military preparation, training methods and strategies related to operations. He was given a formal guard of honor in Canberra. Here he met Australian Army Chief Lieutenant General Simon Stuart.
Interestingly, both the officers were classmates at the US Army War College in 2015. During the meeting, both emphasized on deepening institutional cooperation. Modernization of the army, new technologies and the nature of future war were also discussed in an important meeting held at the Australian Defense Headquarters.
General Dwivedi also addressed officers at the Australian Command and Staff College. He stressed the need for unity, leadership and multinational cooperation in the changing security environment. During the visit he also met the Chief of the Australian Defense Force and the Secretary of the Department of Defence. Gained a closer understanding of Australia’s multi-dimensional military system and joint operations system at the Joint Operations Command Headquarters.
General Dwivedi also paid tribute to the martyred soldiers at the Australian War Memorial. He also strengthened his bond by meeting Indian defense ex-servicemen living in Australia. Defense experts believe that this visit of the Army Chief has proved to give new energy to India-Australia defense relations. This has further enhanced the trust between the two countries and strengthened their shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
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GCB/AS