Australian Military to Participate in Military Exchange Programme in India
The inaugural General Rawat India-Australia Young Defence Officers’ Exchange Programme, announced in 2022, has brought 15 officers from the Australian Defence Forces to India from 1 March. The exchange programme was named in honour of General Bipin Rawat, India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, as recognition of his contributions and the importance of deepening the defence relationship between the two nations.
As part of the program, the Australian officers will be hosted by 15 officers of similar rank and skill set from the Indian armed forces, and will visit various Indian defence establishments across four cities. According to a statement released by the Australian High Commission, the tri-Service group includes four female officers.
The program aims to expose young officers from both countries to each other’s training philosophies and capabilities, providing an excellent opportunity to strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and Australia.
This is the latest in a series of military to military exchanges between India and Australia, including visits to various defence installations such as the Air Force Academy, the College of Defence Management, the Defence Research and Development Organisation, and Naval facilities in Goa.