Canberra/New Delhi: India and Australia have taken a major leap forward in strengthening their defence partnership, with the inaugural India–Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue held between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles.
The two leaders issued a joint statement marking a new era of strategic cooperation across land, sea, air, and emerging tech domains.
Key Defence Agreements and Frameworks Finalized
The ministers welcomed the signing of the Australia–India Implementing Arrangement on Mutual Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation, a significant step in operational readiness and joint naval safety protocols.
They also reviewed progress on air-to-air refuelling operations, operationalised under a 2024 agreement, and committed to annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogues going forward — institutionalizing high-level engagement.
Joint Maritime Security Roadmap Discussed
Both sides discussed a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap, reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding the Indo-Pacific through cooperation on:
- Maritime domain awareness
- Anti-submarine warfare
- Freedom of navigation and overflight
- Aircraft deployment from each other’s territories
The ministers reiterated support for UNCLOS 1982 and the principles of international law governing maritime activities.
Growing Interoperability Through Joint Exercises
The defence relationship now spans all military domains, with enhanced interoperability seen in recent and upcoming joint exercises:
- India’s participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 and Australia’s invite for Exercise Black Carillon (Submarine Rescue)
- Royal Australian Air Force’s role in Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024
- Navy-to-navy engagements planned for 2026
- Enhanced Exercise Austrahind and Exercise Puk Puk participation
India also welcomed the opportunity to observe Cope India 2025 alongside Japan and the U.S., as part of growing QUAD cooperation.
Defence Education & Industrial Collaboration Strengthen
Notable education-related developments include:
- Additional Indian student placements at the Australian Defence College (2026)
- A new position for Indian cadets at the Australian Defence Force Academy (2027)
On the industrial front:
- Australia’s first defence trade mission to India (October 7–10, 2025)
- The upcoming India–Australia Defence Industry Roundtable in Sydney (October 10)
- A focus on contemporary tech collaboration via the Joint Working Group on Defence Industry, Research & Materiel
- India also offered its shipyards for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of Australian Navy ships deployed in the Indian Ocean.
Regional & Multilateral Partnerships Reinforced
The ministers welcomed ongoing trilateral cooperation with Indonesia, and deepening ties with Japan and the U.S. through the QUAD framework.
Both sides committed to advancing maritime surveillance cooperation and leveraging regional partnerships to ensure a free, open, peaceful, and stable Indo-Pacific.
Next Steps: 2026 Dialogue in India
Minister Rajnath Singh invited Deputy PM Marles to India for the Annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in 2026, which he accepted.
