, Lt General DS Rana, is set to embark on an official visit to Australia){kind=link}
MARCH 18:The Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DG DIA), Lt General DS Rana, is set to embark on an official visit to Australia from March 19 to 21, 2025. The visit will serve to further strengthen bilateral defence intelligence cooperation and enhance strategic engagement between India and Australia. This high-level visit underscores the deepening relationship between the two nations, especially in the domain of defence and security.
During the visit, Lt General Rana will hold critical discussions with senior Australian Defence officials, including the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Defence, the Director General of National Intelligence (DGNI), the Chief of Defence Intelligence, and the Chief of Joint Operations of the Australian Defence Forces (ADF). These discussions will primarily focus on intelligence-sharing mechanisms, regional security cooperation, and future collaboration opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region, a strategic area of increasing significance for both countries.
The visit will also offer Lt General Rana a chance to gain a firsthand understanding of Australia’s operational framework and joint command structures. He is scheduled to visit the Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQ JOC), where he will gain insights into the operational and command strategies of the Australian Defence Forces. Additionally, he will interact with the Director of the Australian Geospatial Organisation (AGO), which plays a key role in intelligence and operational support.
Engagements at the Lowy Institute, a leading international policy think tank, will provide an opportunity for discussions on the strategic defence and security dynamics within the region. These discussions will further cement the strong foundations of India-Australia defence cooperation, which is rooted in mutual respect for regional peace, security, and stability.
In a gesture honoring the deep and enduring defence ties between India and Australia, Lt General Rana will lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial. The visit will also include attending the Last Post Ceremony, a solemn tribute to the fallen soldiers, symbolizing mutual respect for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their respective nations.
This official visit highlights the growing importance of the strategic partnership between India and Australia. It underscores the shared commitment of both nations to promote peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as their determination to enhance cooperation in intelligence, defence, and security matters.