In a significant development for Indian-Australian defence relations, Air Marshal Robert Chipman, the Australian Chief of Air Force, met with Indian Vice Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi.
This meeting, held on Wednesday, was aimed at discussing and enhancing bilateral defence cooperation between the two nations.
Air Marshal Chipman, a decorated officer who has been conferred with the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) and appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), engaged in detailed discussions with the recently appointed Vice Chief of Army Staff of India.
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, who took over his new role on Monday, also paid homage at the National War Memorial in Delhi following his assumption of the new appointment.
The Indian Army acknowledged the meeting on their social media platform, highlighting that issues of mutual interest, including bilateral defence cooperation, were on the agenda.
In a related engagement, Air Marshal Chipman had also met with Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force. The dialogue between the two air force chiefs focused on mutual interests and potential avenues for further cooperation between their respective air forces.
As Australia-India military diplomacy continues to strengthen, the Indian Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, is slated to meet with top military leaders from countries of strategic importance, such as the US, France, New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, at the Raisina Dialogue.
The Raisina Dialogue, which commenced on Wednesday 21st February in the Indian national capital, is India’s flagship event on geopolitics and geoeconomics and will feature discussions on a wide array of significant issues facing the global community.
The theme for this year’s dialogue is ‘Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create’, focusing on a multifaceted approach to current geopolitical challenges. The event promises to be a melting pot of ideas with participation from high-level dignitaries, including heads of state, ministers, and officials from various sectors, along with thought leaders from the private sector, media, and academia.
Air Marshal Chipman is expected to partake in discussions on pivotal military matters and share insights on the ongoing initiatives for defence force theaterisation, a key objective set by the Australian government to enhance the country’s military capabilities and self-reliance in defence.
This series of high-profile meetings and discussions underscores the proactive steps Australia and India are taking to fortify their defence strategies and international partnerships amidst an evolving global security landscape.
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