New Delhi: India and Australia agreed to strengthen their partnership under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on mutual dedication to regional security and defence cooperation.
During his visit to Australia from March 4 to 7, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan held deliberations focusing on strengthening military cooperation, with key emphasis on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, joint exercises, capacity building, defence technology exchange and new bilateral defence initiatives.
Gen Chauhan held high-level discussions with Admiral David Johnston, Australia’s Chief of Defence Force, and with the Chiefs of Staff Committee at the Russell Offices of the Australian Defence Force, a Defence Ministry statement said.
The CDS also visited Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC), gaining insights into Australia’s operational command structure and exploring avenues for enhanced joint operations.
His other engagements include visits to Forces Command Headquarters, Australian Army and Fleet Headquarters Royal Australian Navy, fostering deeper coordination in maritime security and strategic operations.
In alignment with India’s commitment to professional military training and education, Gen Chauhan also visited the Australian Defence College, where he held discussions of enhancing professional military education with Rear Admiral James Lybrand, Commandant of the ADC.
He addressed senior officers undergoing the Defence and Strategic Studies Course on strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and interacted with Indian student officers undergoing training at the ADC, acknowledging their role in fostering bilateral military understanding and professional exchanges.
Furthering intellectual and policy exchanges, CDS chaired a round-table discussion at the Lowy Institute, Australia’s premier think tank and engaged with Air Chief Marshal (retired) Sir Angus Houston and renowned strategic experts Dr Michael Fullilove and Sam Roggeveen, exchanging valuable perspectives on India-Australia defence cooperation, multilateral security frameworks, and strategic convergence in the Indo-Pacific.
Moreover, CDS received a detailed briefing on Advanced Navigation Systems, showcasing cutting-edge technologies that enhance battlefield awareness, precision targeting, and situational awareness in complex operational environments.
He also visited leading Australian Defence Industry facilities, gaining first-hand insights into Australia’s
advanced defence manufacturing, Research & Development and technological innovations.
This visit further solidified the India-Australia defence partnership, enhancing mutual trust and understanding while reinforcing the growing convergence of strategic interests between the two nations in the Indo-Pacific region.
UNI
