Chief of Australian Army Visits India to Boost Defence Ties

Lieutenant General Simon Stuart’s four-day visit to Indiaunderscores the deepening India–Australia defence partnership, highlighting strategic cooperation, leadership exchanges, and shared commitment to a secure Indo-Pacific.

Highlights:

• Wreath-laying at the National War Memorial and Guard of Honour at South Block.
• Meetings with India’s top defence leadership, including Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Staff.
• Visits to Agra’s Parachute Brigade, the Taj Mahal, and the National Defence College.
• Engagements in Pune at Southern Command and National Defence Academy.
• Focus on leadership, joint training, and regional stability.

Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of the Australian Army, is on an official visit to India from 11 to 14 August 2025, aiming to deepen bilateral defence cooperation and strategic engagement. The visit began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial, followed by a Guard of Honour and discussions with General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff.

General Stuart received an overview of India’s security outlook, Operation SINDOOR, and the Indian Army’s recent strides in technology adoption. He also held discussions with top defence leaders — Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Naval Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, and Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar. Meanwhile, senior NCOs from both armies met to deepen professional camaraderie.

On 12 August, General Stuart will visit Agra’s 50 (Independent) Parachute Brigade, engage with troops, and tour the Taj Mahal, before delivering a keynote address at the National Defence College in New Delhi.

His itinerary continues in Pune on 13–14 August, where he will interact with Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, and address cadets at the National Defence Academy on leadership, joint training, and bilateral cooperation. Additional defence engagement activities are also planned.

This high-level visit highlights the robust and expanding India–Australia defence relationship, reinforcing the two nations’ shared vision for a secure, stable, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.