Maritime security takes centre stage as India and Australia boost defence cooperation

India and Australia have reinforced their expanding defence and strategic partnership during the 10th Defence Policy Talks held in New Delhi, signalling a stronger commitment to military cooperation and regional security.

The discussions, which took place on May 8, were led by Indian Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad and Australia’s First Assistant Secretary for International Policy Bernard Philip.

Both sides reviewed ongoing progress under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, highlighting continued efforts to enhance defence coordination across the Indo-Pacific region.

Officials welcomed the steady expansion of bilateral defence engagement, including the launch of the annual India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in 2025 — a move seen as a reflection of growing trust and alignment between the two nations.

Key areas of discussion included improving military interoperability, scaling up joint exercises, and strengthening maritime security cooperation amid rising geopolitical competition in the region.

The talks also assessed progress made on commitments from the 2024 Annual Leaders’ Summit, such as plans to update the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation and develop a comprehensive Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap.

In a further step toward institutional collaboration, both countries confirmed plans to conduct the inaugural India-Australia Joint Staff Talks later this year.

Training and personnel exchanges were another major focus, with initiatives like the Gen Bipin Rawat Memorial Young Officers Exchange Programme and collaborations between the Indian Military Academy and Australia’s Royal Military College, Duntroon helping to build closer ties between armed forces.

Defence industry cooperation is also gaining momentum. Officials highlighted recent milestones, including the first India-Australia Defence Industry Roundtable in Sydney in 2025, Australia’s inaugural defence trade mission to India, and strategic discussions held during the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi.

The latest talks underline the growing depth of cooperation between India and Australia, as both countries continue to strengthen collaboration across defence, trade, and regional security under their broader strategic partnership framework.