Indian Director General Defence Intelligence DS Rana to visit Australia tomorrow to boost ties

During the visit, DG DIA will hold discussions with senior Australian Defence officials, including the Deputy Secretary, Department of Defence, Director General of National Intelligence (DGNI), Chief of Defence Intelligence and the Chief of Joint Operations of the Australian Defence Forces (ADF).

Indo-Pacific

These high-level interactions will focus on intelligence-sharing mechanisms, regional security cooperation, and avenues for further collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.

"As part of the visit, DG DIA will also visit the Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQ JOC) to gain insights into Australia’s operational framework and joint command structures," read a government statement.

He is also scheduled to interact with the Director of the Australian Geospatial Organisation (AGO).

Additionally, engagements at the Lowy Institute, a leading international policy think tank, will facilitate discussions on strategic defence and security dynamics.

"Honouring the strong defence ties and shared military traditions between India and Australia, DG DIA will lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial," the statement said.

"The visit will also include attending the Last Post Ceremony, a solemn tribute to the fallen soldiers, symbolising mutual respect and remembrance for the sacrifices made in service to the nation," the statement said.

Intelligence Cooperation

This visit underscores the deepening intelligence and security cooperation between India and Australia, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and security in the region.

India-Australia Defence Cooperation

During PM Modi's visit to Australia in November 2014, both sides decided to extend defence cooperation to cover research, development and industry engagement and agreed to hold regular meetings at the level of the Defence Minister, conduct regular maritime exercises and convene regular service-to-service talks.

The establishment of General Rawat India-Australia Young Defence Officers' Exchange Programme was announced during Virtual meeting in March 2022 under which 15 Australian Defence Force officers joined 15 Indian Defence Force personnel for the first iteration of the program in March 2023 in India.

India participated in the 2021 and 2023 edition of EX TALISMAN SABRE as Observers. INS Vagir, India’s Scorpene submarine, on its extended range deployment visited Australia from 21-28 August 2023 and participated in various exercises with Royal Australian Navy.