India-Australia Defence Cooperation: Army Chief Starts 4-Day Trip With Tribute At National War Memorial

In a show of the growing defence ties between India and Australia, the latter’s Army Chief Lieutenant General Simon Stuart is on a 4-day trip to India. He commenced his official trip on Monday (August 11), after arriving in New Delhi. Lt Gen Stuart started by paying homage to the fallen heroes of the Indian Armed Forces at the National War Memorial.

After a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial, General Stuart received a Guard of Honour at South Block and a formal call-on with Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi. His visit aims to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and enhance strategic engagement between the two nations.

Australian Army Chief’s India visit: A big step towards India-Aus ties?

While the QUAD members share a cordial relationship and strong defence ties, Australian Army Chief’s India visit is being seen as another big step towards strengthening the partnership between the countries. It also speaks volumes of India and Australia’s shared commitment towards a stable, secure, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

Earlier this year in May, India joined Australia’s premier multilateral military drill Talisman Sabre 2025 for the first time, alongside the US, and Japan, signaling a strategic alignment amid rising regional security concerns.

What’s on the agenda for Lt Gen Stuart’s India visit?

His India trip started in New Delhi, meeting senior leadership of the Indian Armed Forces, including CDS General Anil Chauhan; Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi; Air Marshal AP Singh, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar. The Chief of Australian Army was briefed on India’s security perspective Operation Sindoor, and recent advancements in technology absorption within the Indian Army.

Now, he is off to Agra to visit the 50 (Independent) Parachute Brigade and interact with all ranks. He will also visit the iconic Taj Mahal before returning to New Delhi to deliver a keynote address at the National Defence College. On August 13 and 14, the Australian Army Chief will proceed to Pune.

In Pune, he will interact with Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, and visit the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. He is scheduled to address the cadets on leadership, joint training, and cooperation. During the two-day visit, he will also participate in other defence cooperation engagements.