New Delhi, March 3: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan embarked on an official four-day visit to Australia on Monday, aiming to strengthen bilateral strategic cooperation, especially in the crucial Indo-Pacific region.
During his stay from March 4 to 7, Gen Chauhan is scheduled to visit multiple Australian military installations, reflecting the growing depth of defence collaboration between India and Australia under their comprehensive strategic partnership.
"This visit underscores the growing engagement between the two nations, which share a commitment towards strengthening diplomatic and military collaboration under comprehensive strategic partnership," stated India's Defence Ministry. The ministry emphasized that this tour highlights the increasing defence cooperation and diplomatic closeness between both countries.
High-Level Defence Engagements Scheduled
Gen Chauhan's agenda includes comprehensive discussions with Australia's senior military leadership. He will meet Australia's Chief of Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston, Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty, and the chiefs of Australia's Army, Navy, and Air Force.Additionally, Gen Chauhan will visit Australia's Force Command Headquarters, where he aims to understand Australia's operational command framework better. This visit will also focus on exploring potential avenues for joint military operations.
Strategic Indo-Pacific Discussions and Military Education
Highlighting India's commitment to advanced military training and education, Gen Chauhan is also slated to visit the prestigious Australian Defence College. There, he will deliver an address to senior military officers, discussing the strategic challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region.Furthermore, the CDS will chair a roundtable discussion at Australia's premier think tank, the Lowy Institute, adding an intellectual dimension to his visit.
Deepening Defence Cooperation
India-Australia military relations have seen significant progress in recent years. Notably, last year, both countries finalized an agreement enabling their air forces to conduct air-to-air refuelling operations, significantly expanding the Indian military’s strategic reach across the Indo-Pacific.In June 2020, India and Australia elevated their diplomatic relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed the landmark Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA). This pivotal deal grants reciprocal access to military bases for logistical support, maintenance, and replenishment, greatly enhancing operational flexibility and deepening defence cooperation.
Gen Chauhan’s visit further consolidates this robust defence partnership, signifying both countries' shared vision for stability and security in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region.
