Australian Army Chief Lt Gen Simon Stuart Visits India to Boost Ties
Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of the Australian Army, is on a four-day official visit to India from August 11 to 14, 2025, to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation and strategic engagement. His visit began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial and a Guard of Honour in New Delhi, followed by a meeting with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. Discussions focused on enhancing military ties, India’s security perspective including Operation Sindoor, and recent technological advancements in the Indian Army. Lt Gen Stuart’s itinerary includes visits to the 50 (Independent) Parachute Brigade in Agra, the National Defence College in New Delhi, and the National Defence Academy in Pune, where he will address cadets on leadership and joint training. This visit reinforces the growing India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership amid the evolving Indo-Pacific security environment, exemplified by joint efforts in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and regional contingency planning. The personal and professional bond between Lt Gen Stuart and Gen Dwivedi, who trained together in 2015, further symbolizes the deepening trust and cooperation between the two armies. Operation Sindoor, India’s precise military response to the May 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, was highlighted as a key example of India’s commitment to regional stability, showcasing the use of indigenous technology and coordinated military readiness. The visit sets the stage for expanded collaboration in emerging domains like unmanned systems, cyber resilience, and multinational coalition readiness, marking a pivotal moment in India-Australia defense relations.