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Australian Army Chief Lt General Simon Stuart arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a four-day official visit aimed at bolstering defence ties between India and Australia. He engaged with the senior leadership of the Indian Armed Forces, deepening strategic cooperation between the two countries.

 

The visit began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial, where General Stuart paid tribute to the Indian military’s fallen heroes. He was then accorded a Guard of Honour at South Block before holding a formal meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi.

 

General Stuart received briefings on India's security outlook, including Operation Sindoor and recent technological advancements within the Indian Army. He also met Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar.

On the sidelines, the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Australian Army held talks with the Army Subedar Major of the Indian Army, fostering camaraderie across ranks.

 

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Tomorrow, the Australian Army Chief will visit Agra to inspect the 50 (Independent) Parachute Brigade, widely known as the Shatrujeet Brigade.

This specialised airborne formation, under the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), boasts rapid deployment capabilities and comprises airborne battalions, artillery units, a field hospital, and signal and engineering corps, making it a self-sufficient mobile force.

 

Following his visit to Agra, General Stuart will return to New Delhi to deliver a keynote address at the National Defence College. Subsequently, on August 13 and 14, he will proceed to Pune to engage with Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command, and visit the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. There, he is scheduled to address cadets on leadership, joint training, and defence cooperation.

 

This high-profile visit reaffirms the robust and growing defence partnership between India and Australia and highlights their shared commitment to a stable, secure, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, as noted by the Ministry of Defence.