As with every Anzac Days, Indian Army veterans in Australia have taken part in in the annual parade—a solemn march beginning at Federation Square, proceeding along St Kilda Road, and concluding at the Shrine of Remembrance.
Observed on 25 April, Anzac Day commemorates the courage and sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) at Gallipoli during World War I, while also honouring all who have served in conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
For Indian veterans, the march serves as both a tribute to their own service and a recognition of the deep military ties between India and Australia. Indian soldiers fought alongside ANZAC troops in pivotal World War I and II battles, from Gallipoli to the Western Front—a shared history now honoured by their descendants.
“This is our opportunity to pay homage not only to Gallipoli’s fallen but to all brother officers and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice,” says Colonel (Retd) Rajesh Kaswan, a Melbourne-based veteran who has organised the Indian contingent’s participation for 12 years. “It’s a solemn tribute to those who served their nations.”
“For the past several weeks, I’ve been liaising with the Indian Consulate and coordinating with various agencies. In fact, just now, I was speaking to another officer for whom I’m arranging a vehicle through RCV—they offer transport services for veterans who may not be able to travel on their own,” he shares.
He explains that the programme usually follows a similar format each year. Veterans form up by 10:15am for an 11:15am start, though timings can vary with the pace of the parade. After marching to the Shrine of Remembrance, they head to the Indian Consulate for tea.
“Aroundd 60 to 70 veterans and their family members participated in the parade,” says Kaswan, who was commissioned into the Sikh Light Infantry in 1990 after training at the NDA and IMA. He later commanded his original battalion before retiring in 2011. Like many Indian veterans in Australia—including several decorated with the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM)—he emphasises the importance of preserving this history.
Kaswan expresses his gratitude to the ANZAC Day organising committee, particularly acknowledging Colonel Jason Cook, the Chief Marshal. He notes that since last year, dependents of veterans have also been permitted to participate in the march, a gesture he deeply appreciates.
The tradition has expanded beyond Melbourne, with groups in Sydney and Brisbane participating annually (though distance precludes Perth-based veterans). Last year’s unveiling of a new Indian Defence Forces banner drew crowds eager to photograph its vivid military symbolism. Also one poignant moment was the participation of an army widow honouring her husband three decades after his passing. This year, Anne Kaushal from Canberra will continue this touching tradition of remembrance.
“For our community, these marches are more than ceremony,” Kaswan reflects. “You know, it’s a good feeling—there’s a lot of love and brotherhood.”
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