“It means a lot for me… Australia has given us — my family, and a lot of the wider South Pacific people — lots of opportunity.”

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 government said the first phase of work, including construction of Army landing craft, would begin next year, with the precinct ultimately employing 4,000 directly and supporting 10,000 jobs across WA.

The General Rawat India-Australia Young Defence Officers’ Exchange Program, named in memory of the esteemed General Rawat, aims to expose young officers from both countries to each other’s training philosophies and capabilities.

Among the esteemed recipients is Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, the Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, who is the first woman to hold this prestigious position at the university.

From 1914 to 1918, approximately 12 Indian Australians and up to 15,000 to 16,000 British Indian soldiers, comprising Gurkhas, Sikhs, Muslims, and Hindus, fought at Gallipoli.

“I’m getting an opportunity to serve those who serve.”

The RFNS Puamau is the second vessel delivered to Fiji, and the 19th vessel delivered under the Pacific Maritime Security Program.

Dr Madhu Patel was awarded a commendation by Chief of Army Lieutenant General Rick Burr in recognition of her outstanding career.

This exchange programme will enhance professional contacts on both sides and provide operational experience to young officers.