Indian and Australian Special Forces are likely to hold a joint exercise here this year as part of growing military ties between the two countries. Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag extended the invitation for the exercise during his four-day visit to Australia which ended on Friday. His visit is part of India's efforts to further strengthen relations with countries in Asia Pacific region.
Suhag invited the Australians to take part in the inaugural Joint Special Forces training exercise planned to be held in October. He also visited Headquarters of Joint Operational Command there. Incidentally, India is likely to have its own Joint Special Forces Command as recommended by the Naresh Chandra Committee report on higher defence management. The proposed command will be on the lines of the US Special Forces Command which was responsible for killing Osama Bin laden.
During Suhag's visit, the Australian Army showcased some of its best facilities and institutions including the Australian School of Military Engineering. He appreciated the combat engineering skills and professionalism of the officers and soldiers. He was also briefed on the largest Australian amphibious ship, Adelaide, officials said here on Friday.
Speaking on the sidelines at the Headquarters of Joint Operational Command, Suhag expressed satisfaction at the manner in which defence cooperation between the two countries has progressed.
He also visited the historic Australian War Memorial at Canberra and laid wreath. He was accompanied by Australian Army Chief lt General A Campbell.