New Delhi: High Commissioner of India to Australia Nagesh Singh met Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM, Chief of the Australian Army, and congratulated her on assuming charge of the Australian Army.
The meeting focused on the rapidly expanding India–Australia defence partnership, with discussions covering stronger Army-to-Army engagement, military training, professional exchanges and greater cooperation to contribute to a secure, stable and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
India and Australia have significantly strengthened their strategic and defence relationship in recent years. The two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020, while defence cooperation has expanded across the Army, Navy and Air Force, including joint exercises, personnel exchanges, maritime security and operational interoperability.
The two militaries regularly participate in exercises and professional exchanges. In 2026, Australia took part in India’s Exercise Milan, while India participated in Australia’s Exercise Kakadu. Both sides have also been working to expand cooperation through multinational exercises and improve interoperability between their armed forces.
A major recent development was the signing of the 2026 India–Australia Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, which commits both countries to strengthening defence cooperation, enhancing strategic coordination, increasing the complexity of military exercises and improving interoperability.
Army-to-Army cooperation has emerged as an important component of the broader partnership, with emphasis on training, exchanges, operational experience and capability development. The growing engagement reflects the shared strategic importance that New Delhi and Canberra attach to maintaining peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific.
The latest meeting between High Commissioner Nagesh Singh and Lieutenant General Susan Coyle therefore underlines the two countries’ intent to further deepen defence cooperation and build stronger institutional links between their armed forces. (ddindia.co.in)