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India-Australia Military Ties Deepen: Amphibious Ops and Drone Tech on Agenda

India and Australia have taken significant steps to strengthen their military partnership through recent Army-to-Army Staff Talks in Canberra. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in key areas including amphibious operations and unmanned aircraft systems. Both countries also reinforced their commitment to combating terrorism and maintaining regional stability across the Indo-Pacific. The meetings built on earlier counter-terrorism discussions and included visits to Australian military institutions.

Key Points: India Australia Expand Military Cooperation in Canberra Talks

  • Both nations discussed expanding cooperation in amphibious operations and drone systems
  • Delegates reviewed emerging terrorism threats across domestic and global landscapes
  • Officials emphasized stronger coordination in law enforcement and maritime security
  • The talks recognized increasing digital platform misuse by terrorist organizations
2 min read

India, Australia expand military cooperation with Army Staff Talks in Canberra

India and Australia strengthen defense ties through Army Staff Talks, focusing on amphibious operations and unmanned systems while reaffirming regional security commitments.

"Australia and India remain committed partners in preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism across the Indo-Pacific and beyond. - Gemma Huggins, Australia's Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism"

Canberra, October 31

India and Australia discussed expanding military cooperation in areas such as amphibious operations and unmanned aircraft systems during the latest Army-to-Army Staff Talks, which were held in Canberra from October 29 to 31, 2025. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional peace and stability, the Indian Army said.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional peace and stability. The Indian delegation also paid homage at the Australian War Memorial and visited the Royal Military College, Duntroon.

The meeting followed the 15th India-Australia Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter-Terrorism, which was also held in Canberra earlier this week. During the two-day counterterrorism meeting from October 29 to 30, both countries reaffirmed their strong resolve to combat terrorism, violent extremism, and radicalisation across the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

According to a press statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs, the session was co-chaired by Vinod Bahade, Joint Secretary (Counter-Terrorism) at the MEA, and Gemma Huggins, Australia's Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism.

In an X post Huggins wrote, "Australia and India remain committed partners in preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism across the Indo-Pacific and beyond. We valued the strong and ongoing collaboration demonstrated at the 15th annual Australia-India Counter-Terrorism Joint Working Group."

https://x.com/AusAmbCT/status/1984061802125389958

Officials from both nations reviewed the emerging domestic, regional, and global terrorism landscape, emphasising stronger cooperation in law enforcement, judicial coordination, and maritime security. Both sides condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, with Australia reiterating its "support and solidarity with India.

The talks also recognised the increasing use of digital platforms by terror groups. India and Australia agreed on the need for timely information sharing and collective efforts to counter online radicalisation and the misuse of technology for terrorist activities.

Both sides reaffirmed their cooperation at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, FATF, Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and within the QUAD framework to strengthen the global fight against terrorism.

During the visit, the Indian delegation also met officials from Australia's Federal Police Counter Terrorism Unit, National Emergency Management Agency, and Maritime Border Command, and reviewed operational coordination at the Australian Watch Office and Crisis Centre.

The two countries agreed to hold the next JWG meeting in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who follows international relations closely, I appreciate how both countries are addressing the digital terrorism threat. The coordination on countering online radicalization is much needed in today's interconnected world.
P
Priya S
Australia's solidarity after the Pahalgam attack means a lot. Strong international partnerships are essential in our fight against terrorism. Hope these talks lead to concrete action on the ground.
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Arjun K
While I support stronger defense cooperation, I hope we're not spending too much on foreign military partnerships when there are pressing domestic needs. The budget allocation should be balanced carefully.
M
Michael C
The QUAD framework cooperation mentioned here is particularly significant. India-Australia ties are becoming a cornerstone of regional security architecture. Good strategic move by both nations.
K
Kavya N
The visit to Australian War Memorial shows respect for shared military heritage. These cultural exchanges alongside technical talks build stronger bonds between our armed forces. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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