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Australia and India Strengthen Strategic Defence Partnership in New Delhi Talks

The 10th Australia-India Defence Policy Talks were held in New Delhi on May 8, led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad and First Assistant Secretary Bernard Philip. Both sides reviewed progress in defence ties and discussed new initiatives to strengthen interoperability and maritime security cooperation. They welcomed the establishment of the annual Australia-India Defence Ministers' Dialogue in 2025 and plans for a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap. Defence industrial cooperation was highlighted as a key pillar, with initiatives such as the first Australia-India Defence Industry Roundtable.

Key Points: Australia-India Defence Talks: Key Outcomes

  • Bilateral defence ties reviewed and new initiatives discussed
  • Plans for Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap
  • Expansion of military exercises including Talisman Sabre
  • Focus on defence industrial cooperation and industry roundtables
2 min read

Australia, India deepen strategic defence partnership at 10th Defence Policy Talks

India and Australia deepen defence ties at the 10th Defence Policy Talks, focusing on maritime security, joint exercises, and industrial collaboration.

"Recent advancements in bilateral defence cooperation have enhanced consultation and reflected the growing trust between the two countries. - Ministry of Defence"

New Delhi, May 10

The 10th Australia-India Defence Policy Talks were held in New Delhi on May 8, underscoring the growing strategic convergence and defence cooperation between Australia and India amid an evolving Indo-Pacific security environment, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad, while the Australian side was headed by First Assistant Secretary, International Policy, Bernard Philip. Both sides reviewed progress in defence ties and discussed new initiatives aimed at strengthening interoperability, maritime security cooperation and defence industry engagement.

According to the Ministry of Defence, both sides welcomed "recent advancements in bilateral defence cooperation", noting that the establishment of the annual Australia-India Defence Ministers' Dialogue in 2025 had "enhanced consultation and reflected the growing trust between the two countries."

The delegations also praised the "recent finalisation of key implementing arrangements" and the "continued high momentum of first-time milestones," while expressing anticipation for the first Australia-India Joint Staff Talks scheduled later this year.

Reviewing the outcomes of the 2024 Australia-India Annual Leaders' Summit, the co-chairs discussed plans " to renew and strengthen the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, and develop a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap."

Both countries highlighted the expansion of military exercises and operational cooperation. The statement noted the " increased frequency and complexity of joint defence exercises," including India's inaugural participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre and Exercise Puk Puk in 2025.

Maritime cooperation also featured prominently in the talks, with Australia and India reaffirming collaboration through naval participation in each other's International Fleet Reviews and multilateral engagements such as Exercise Milan and Exercise Kakadu.

The co-chairs further "agreed for next steps to deepen interoperability across all domains" and reaffirmed their defence ministers' vision to "continue enhancing cooperation with regional partners".

Defence industrial cooperation emerged as another major pillar of engagement. Both sides acknowledged the "strategic importance of defence industrial collaboration and engagement", while welcoming initiatives such as the first Australia-India Defence Industry Roundtable in Sydney in 2025 and Australia's first defence industry strategic roundtable held during the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi earlier this year.

- ANI

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Sarah B
As an Aussie living in India, this makes me proud. Our countries share democratic values and a vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. The defence industry roundtables will also boost economic ties. Well done to both governments!
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Priya S
Good to see India expanding its defence partnerships beyond traditional allies. Australia is a trustworthy partner. However, I hope these talks also lead to more technology transfer and joint manufacturing in India under 'Make in India' – we need that to reduce dependency. 🤔
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Rohit P
Defence diplomacy is important, but let's not forget that our soldiers and sailors need modern equipment and better conditions. Talks are fine, but implementation matters. Hope the Joint Staff Talks later this year lead to concrete actions, not just press releases.
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Michael C
As a Canadian observing India’s rise, this partnership makes perfect sense. Australia and India are natural allies in the Indo-Pacific. The mention of a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap is particularly interesting – it shows serious intent. 🚢
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Vikram M
The Australia-India relationship has come a long way from the days of suspicion. Now we are conducting joint exercises and defence industry roundtables. This is what strategic autonomy looks like – partnering with like-minded nations while keeping our own interests first. Well played, India! 👏
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