Colonel Prateek Roy of the Indian Army has received the prestigious Geddes Gavel Award after completing the Defence Strategic and Studies Course at the Australian Defence College.
The Indian High Commission in Canberra announced the achievement on Saturday, describing the award as recognition for the student who best demonstrates a deep grasp of the political, diplomatic, military, cultural and economic factors that shape regional relationships and decision-making.
In a post on X, the High Commission congratulated Colonel Roy, noting that the award reflects his outstanding understanding of the forces influencing strategic affairs across the Indo-Pacific.
The accolade comes at a time of steadily strengthening defence cooperation between India and Australia. Recent high-level engagements have reinforced the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with both nations expanding collaboration across defence, security, education, research, technology and people-to-people ties.
During Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s visit to India in November, alongside External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, both sides reviewed progress across key partnership pillars and reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific.
In October, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s trip to Australia saw the signing of significant defence agreements. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles later described the new arrangements as a “hugely significant step” towards deeper operational cooperation between the two armed forces, reflecting growing strategic alignment.
Colonel Roy’s award is seen as another marker of the maturing India–Australia defence relationship and highlights India’s growing presence in international military education and strategic studies.
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