Gen Upendra Dwivedi, India Army Chief.
India Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi’s Visit to Australia: New Delhi | February 14, 2026: The Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, will embark on an official visit to Australia from February 16 to 19, 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and reinforcing strategic convergence between the two Indo-Pacific partners.
The visit comes amid expanding India–Australia defence collaboration and is expected to focus on enhancing army-to-army engagements, including training exchanges, joint exercises, professional military education and capacity building initiatives.
Defence officials said the visit reflects the growing depth of military ties between the two democracies, particularly in the context of shared security interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
READ: India, Australia Sign Mid-Air Refueling Agreement
Engagements in Sydney: Operational Synergy and Joint Exercises
During his stay in Sydney, General Dwivedi will interact with senior leadership of Forces Command (FORCOMD), Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) and the 2nd Division of the Australian Army.
The 2nd Division holds particular significance as its troops participate in the bilateral Army exercise AUSTRAHIND. The next edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND is scheduled to be held in India later in 2026, further cementing operational interoperability between the two armies.
Discussions are expected to centre on enhancing joint training frameworks, operational readiness and collaboration in specialised domains such as special operations and reserve force integration.
READ: India-France 6th Annual Defence Dialogue to Be Co-Chaired by Defence Ministers in Bengaluru
Ceremonial Welcome and High-Level Talks in Canberra
On arrival in Canberra, the Army Chief will receive a ceremonial Guard of Honour before holding discussions with Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of the Australian Army. Notably, both commanders are alumni of the US Army War College Class of 2015, a shared professional background that has fostered a strong institutional rapport.
The bilateral meeting will be followed by a comprehensive roundtable discussion at Australian Defence Forces Headquarters, focusing on defence cooperation, force modernisation and emerging concepts in multi-domain and future warfare.
General Dwivedi will also engage with the Commander of the Australian Defence College and address officers at the Australian Command and Staff College, strengthening professional military education linkages.
READ: Australian Army gets first lot of Rheinmetall Boxer combat vehicle
Strategic-Level Interactions and Operational Briefings
As part of a series of high-level engagements, the Army Chief will call on the Chief of Defence Forces and the Secretary of the Department of Defence. He will also visit Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC), where he will be briefed by the Commander Joint Operations on integrated and multi-domain operational structures of the Australian Defence Forces.
The itinerary includes a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Australian War Memorial to honour fallen soldiers and acknowledge the shared legacy of sacrifice and service.
Additionally, General Dwivedi will interact with Indian defence veterans residing in Australia, underscoring the enduring bonds between the Indian Armed Forces and its overseas veteran community.
READ: India Clears $43 Billion Defence Deals for Rafale Jets, P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft
Strengthening Indo-Pacific Partnership
The visit underscores the shared commitment of India and Australia to enhance defence cooperation and contribute jointly to peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
With growing collaboration across military exercises, strategic dialogues and operational exchanges, General Dwivedi’s visit is expected to further solidify the India–Australia defence partnership, reinforcing mutual trust and long-term strategic alignment.
READ: Australia orders Israeli Spike anti-tank guided missiles
