New Delhi, March 07 (HS): Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan visited the historic Victoria Barracks on Friday, the last day of his Australian visit. This was the first visit of an Indian Chief of Defence Staff to Australia. During this, he met with the senior leadership of the Australian Department of Defence and the Australian Defence Force. Apart from this, he also visited the Force Command Headquarters, Australian Defence College and Lowy Institute.
CDS General Anil Chauhan left New Delhi on March 04 on a four-day official visit to Australia. The purpose of his visit till March 7 was to further strengthen bilateral military relations between the two countries. He held talks with his counterpart Australian Defence Force Chief Admiral David Johnson AC RAN and senior leadership of the Australian Defence Force. General Anil Chauhan was welcomed by Royal Australian Navy Deputy Fleet Commander Commodore Ray Leggett and visited HMAS Adelaide, the largest amphibious assault ship of the Royal Australian Navy. During this, he was briefed on Australia’s naval capabilities, amphibious operations, which underlines the growing maritime cooperation between the two countries.
General Chauhan’s visit included meetings with senior defense leaders, as India is a top-level security partner for Australia. Both countries are committed to working together to promote a peaceful, stable and Indo-Pacific region. The discussions focused on practical ideas to realize the vision of long-term defense and security cooperation of the two countries. There was discussion on increasing bilateral defense cooperation with the Australian government. The aim of these meetings was to strengthen the relationship between the two countries, focus on shared security concerns and promote regional stability.
General Chauhan visited the historic military Victoria Barracks, known for its rich heritage and role in shaping Australia’s strategic military planning. The CDS was briefed by Deputy G7 Army Brigadier Sean Parks on the strategic aspects of the Australian Army. The visit provided information to the CDS about the operational structure and command structures of the Australian Army. General Chauhan was accorded a Guard of Honour at the Australian Defence Headquarters in Canberra, symbolising the strengthening of the India-Australia defence partnership. The ceremonial welcome underscored the mutual respect and growing strategic cooperation between the two countries.
The CDS visited the Australian War Memorial as a tribute to shared sacrifices and paid homage to the bravehearts who laid down their lives in service to their nation. At the War Memorial, he attended the funeral ceremony honouring the fallen heroes, including Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the Gallipoli Campaign. The CDS visited the Australian Defence College, where he was received by Rear Admiral James Lybrand, Commander, Australian Defence College, and briefed on the strategic and operational aspects of the Australian Defence Force.
The CDS addressed the officers of the Defence and Strategic Studies Course to share insights on emerging security challenges and the importance of joint military cooperation. The CDS also interacted with Indian student officers undergoing training at the Australian Defence College, acknowledging their role in promoting bilateral military understanding and professional exchanges. The visit reaffirms India’s commitment to strengthen professional military education ties and capacity building efforts with Australia.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
