India and Australia Strengthen Defence Ties
The ninth edition of the India-Australia Defence Policy Talks took place in New Delhi on March 17, 2025, marking a significant step in bilateral defence cooperation. Led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad from India and First Assistant Secretary Bernard Philip from Australia, the discussions highlighted the progress made in defence exercises and key agreements. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Outcomes of the Talks
During the meeting, both delegations acknowledged the sustained advancements in their defence partnership, which includes an increase in the frequency and complexity of joint exercises. Notable milestones were achieved, including the finalization of essential agreements and participation in each other’s major defence trade exhibitions. The talks also reviewed previous defence outcomes from the 2+2 Ministerial meetings held in November 2023 and 2024, emphasizing the importance of ongoing collaboration.
The discussions centered on several cooperation priorities, such as maritime domain awareness, reciprocal information sharing, and collaboration in industry and science and technology. The two sides also explored the potential for joint exercises and deployments from each other’s territories, reinforcing their commitment to mutual security interests.
Commitment to Regional Stability
India and Australia expressed their dedication to fostering a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. They agreed on the priorities and preparations for the upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue scheduled to take place in Australia in 2025. Both nations reiterated their commitment to developing a long-term vision for defence and security collaboration, as envisioned by their respective Prime Ministers. This vision aims to enhance collective strength and contribute significantly to regional peace and security.
Furthermore, the discussions included exploring opportunities for defence industry collaboration. Both countries called upon their respective agencies to accelerate cooperation in defence science and technology. They also agreed to deepen interoperability across maritime, land, and air domains, including collaboration with multilateral partners.
Future Engagements and Visits
Defence has become a crucial pillar of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The previous edition of the Defence Policy Talks was held in 2023, and the current discussions reflect the ongoing commitment to strengthen ties. As part of the visit, the Australian delegation is scheduled to tour Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd in Mumbai, showcasing the collaborative efforts in defence manufacturing.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
