Major General Chris Smith, DSC AM CSC, Deputy Chief of Army, Australian Army, called on Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth on September 30, 2026, as the two military leaders discussed the evolving geostrategic environment and avenues to further strengthen India–Australia defence cooperation.
The interaction focused on enhancing bilateral defence engagement through greater interoperability, military-to-military engagement, joint training and professional exchanges. The discussions provided an opportunity for the two senior military leaders to exchange views on the evolving security environment and areas of continued cooperation between the Indian and Australian Armies.
Enhanced interoperability was identified as an important avenue for strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries. Continued military-to-military engagement, joint training activities and professional exchanges also remain areas through which the two Armies can deepen their institutional relationship.
The interaction further reaffirmed the commitment of both Armies towards strengthening institutional ties and fostering mutual trust. Regular engagement between the two military establishments provides avenues for sharing professional perspectives and developing greater understanding between their respective forces.
India and Australia have continued to engage through military interactions and professional exchanges, with the relationship encompassing cooperation between their armed forces. The discussions between General Dhiraj Seth and Major General Chris Smith reflected the continued focus on strengthening this engagement.
The meeting also underscored the shared commitment towards advancing a vision for regional security and stability. Through enhanced interoperability, joint training and sustained professional engagement, both Armies reaffirmed their intent to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and institutional ties.
The interaction between the two military leaders thus highlighted the importance of continued engagement between India and Australia, with emphasis on mutual trust, operational interoperability, professional exchanges and cooperation towards regional security and stability.
