General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India, recently completed an official visit to Australia from March 4 to March 7, 2025. This trip marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to fortify the defence relationship between India and Australia, focusing on enhancing military strategy, training, and operational collaboration.
Throughout the visit, General Chauhan engaged in a series of high-level discussions with prominent figures from the Australian Department of Defence and the Australian Defence Force (ADF). His schedule featured key meetings with Admiral David Johnston AC RAN, the Chief of Defence Force, and Secretary of Defence Greg Moriarty, alongside leaders from the three branches of the Australian military. These dialogues centered on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, addressing mutual security concerns, and fostering regional stability.
In addition to meetings, General Chauhan visited several major Australian defence establishments. At the Force Command Headquarters, he obtained valuable insights into Australia’s operational command structure and explored potential avenues for joint operations. His interactions extended to the Australian Fleet Commander and the Joint Operations Commander, where discussions focused on enhancing maritime cooperation and tackling shared regional security challenges.
Reinforcing India’s commitment to professional military education, General Chauhan addressed senior officers at the Australian Defence College. His presentation centered on the strategic challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region, and he also chaired a roundtable discussion at the Lowy Institute, Australia’s leading think tank. This session delved into the security dynamics of the Indo-Pacific and explored avenues for defence cooperation between the two nations.
This visit is emblematic of the growing engagement under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established between India and Australia. Both countries are dedicated to promoting a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. The discussions during this visit highlighted practical initiatives aimed at fulfilling long-term goals around defence collaboration, thereby enhancing collective capabilities that bolster the security of both nations.
General Chauhan’s trip underscores the mutual commitment to deepening defence ties and effectively addressing shared security challenges, contributing significantly to regional stability and prosperity.
