Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi to Visit Australia to Boost Defence Ties

The 2nd Division plays a key role in the bilateral Army Exercise AUSTRAHIND, the next edition of which is scheduled to be held in India in 2026.

The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, is set to embark on an official visit to Australia from 16 to 19 February 2026, aimed at further strengthening India–Australia defence cooperation and reinforcing the growing strategic convergence between the two nations.

The visit comes at a time of deepening bilateral engagement in the Indo-Pacific, with both countries committed to enhancing military interoperability, joint training and regional security cooperation.

Focus on Army-to-Army Cooperation and Capacity Building

During the visit, General Dwivedi will hold wide-ranging interactions with senior leadership of the Australian Defence Forces, focusing on expanding army-to-army engagements through:

• Joint training initiatives

• Bilateral and multilateral exercises

• Professional military exchanges

• Capacity building and future-oriented cooperation

Key Engagements in Sydney

In Sydney, the COAS will engage with senior leadership of:

• Forces Command (FORCOMD)

• Special Operations Command (SOCOMD)

• 2nd Division

The 2nd Division plays a key role in the bilateral Army Exercise AUSTRAHIND, the next edition of which is scheduled to be held in India in 2026.

These interactions are expected to further strengthen operational cooperation and tactical interoperability between the two armies.

Ceremonial Welcome and High-Level Talks in Canberra

Upon arrival in Canberra, General Dwivedi will receive a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour, followed by a meeting with Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of the Australian Army.

Both commanders are alumni of the US Army War College Class of 2015, sharing a strong professional bond that is expected to add depth to bilateral military engagement.

The meeting will be followed by a comprehensive round table discussion at Australian Defence Forces Headquarters on:

• Defence cooperation priorities

• Military modernisation

• Futuristic operations and multi-domain challenges

Address at Australian Defence College

General Dwivedi will also interact with the Commander of the Australian Defence College and address officers at the Australian Command and Staff College, underscoring the importance of institutional exchanges and strategic learning between the two forces.

Meetings with Australia’s Top Defence Leadership

As part of a series of high-level engagements, the COAS will call on:

• Chief of Defence Forces (CDF)

• Secretary, Department of Defence

He will also visit Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC), where he will meet the Commander Joint Operations and receive briefings on Australia’s integrated operational dynamics, including multi-domain and joint force coordination.

Tribute at Australian War Memorial and Outreach to Veterans

The COAS will lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial to honour fallen soldiers and pay tribute to the shared legacy of sacrifice and service.

He will also meet Indian defence veterans residing in Australia, reaffirming the enduring bond between the Indian Armed Forces and its global veteran community.

Commitment to Indo-Pacific Peace and Stability

The visit reaffirms the shared commitment of India and Australia to further enhancing defence cooperation and jointly contributing to peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

With expanding strategic trust, deeper military exchanges and a growing exercise framework, the visit is expected to further consolidate India–Australia defence partnership as a key pillar of regional security architecture.