Australia and India Strengthen Strategic Defence Ties at 10th Defence Policy Talks

Australia and India Strengthen Defence Ties Amid Indo-Pacific Security Challenges

The 10th Australia-India Defence Policy Talks were held in New Delhi on May 8, marking a significant milestone in the growing strategic convergence and defence cooperation between the two nations. According to the Ministry of Defence, the talks underscored the evolving Indo-Pacific security environment and the need for strengthened interoperability, maritime security cooperation, and defence industry engagement.

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 enhancing consultation and trust between the two countries. The establishment of the annual Australia-India Defence Ministers' Dialogue in 2025 was seen as a major achievement, reflecting the growing trust between Australia and India.

Recent Advancements in Bilateral Defence Cooperation

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The Ministry of Defence noted that both sides welcomed "recent advancements in bilateral defence cooperation", highlighting the finalisation of key implementing arrangements and the continued high momentum of first-time milestones. The delegations also praised 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 was another area of focus, with Australia and India reaffirming collaboration through naval participation in each other's International Fleet Reviews and multilateral engagements. The co-chairs also agreed to deepen interoperability across all domains, reaffirming their defence ministers' vision to continue enhancing cooperation with regional partners.

Defence Industrial Cooperation

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Defence industrial cooperation emerged as a major pillar of engagement, with both sides acknowledging the strategic importance of defence industrial collaboration and engagement. 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 were welcomed as major steps forward.

The co-chairs further discussed plans to renew and strengthen the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, and develop a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap. The first Australia-India Joint Staff Talks, scheduled for later this year, were also anticipated with great enthusiasm.