Indian, Australian Army Chiefs’ Alumni Connect: A Look At Their Classmates To Counterparts Journey

Over the years, India and Australia have strengthened their defence relationship through joint exercises and logistics agreements. And in another strong step in that direction, Australian Army Chief Lieutenant General Simon Stuart is on his India visit from August 10 to 14.

During this time, the Australian army chief will engage in high-level discussions with General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, Indian Army and other senior defence ministry officials. His visit also serves as the perfect moment to take the next step i.e. announce a Joint Indo-Pacific Army HADR Task Force.

Both the QUAD countries are expanding their relations in the military domain, as they work to uphold a stable and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. While they have already proved how strong their defence ties are, India and Australia also have a unique instrument of strategic soft power – Alumni Connect of their army chiefs.

What is the Alumni Connect of Indian and Australian army chiefs?

Around 10 years ago in 2015, both Lt Gen Stuart and his Indian counterpart Gen Dwivedi had trained together at United States Army War College, forging a professional bond that has matured alongside their respective careers. This shared academic background not only provides a strong foundation for mutual trust but also enables a deeper strategic understanding.

When it comes to defence diplomacy, the shared training experiences between military leaders often sow the seeds for enduring partnerships that outlast with political cycles and strategic shifts. Such exchanges equip officers with broader strategic perspectives, operational best practices, and a shared vocabulary for addressing global challenges.

In view of the importance of this diplomatic value, the Indian Army has started formalising Alumni Connect initiatives maintaining databases, organising reunions, and encouraging continued professional engagement through think tank collaborations. Additionally, digital platforms like the ‘Friends for Life’ portal are also being explored to sustain ties.

Why Alumni Connect works deeper than normal ties?

Like you would always have a feeling of warmth towards your old classmates or roommates, the Alumni Connect in defence has the potential to lay the groundwork for healthy bilateral relations. Officers who once shared barracks and classrooms now sit across negotiating tables or lead joint operations, carrying with them the trust and mutual respect.

Lieutenant General Stuart’s India visit will therefore be more than a series of official calls and ceremonial welcomes as it will also be a reunion of 2 military professionals whose shared past strengthens the foundation of India–Australia defence ties.

India-Australian army cooperation: How has it progressed?

Over the past few years, the operational cooperation between the Indian Army and the Australian Army has shown a remarkable growth. They are marked by increasing complexity, scale, and strategic relevance of joint exercises and deployments, including Exercise AustraHind, launched in 2016.

The 4th iteration of AustraHind is expected to be held in November this year.