India and Australia Strengthen Defence Ties During High-Level Dialogue
Canberra, October 9, 2025: India and Australia took significant steps to deepen their defence partnership during the Australia–India Defence Ministers’ Dialogue held at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday. The discussions focused on enhancing strategic dialogue, expanding joint exercises, and operationalising defence cooperation at multiple levels. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on his first visit to Australia in 12 years, was welcomed by Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles. Marles highlighted the importance of the dialogue, emphasizing increased collaboration between operational commands, information sharing, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding on submarine rescue operations. He stated that these measures would deepen high-level strategic alignment to a more operational level. Rajnath Singh underscored the progress in bilateral defence cooperation, noting that India and Australia share values of freedom, mutual respect, and commitment to regional peace. He highlighted opportunities for Australian companies under India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat framework, emphasizing defence technology co-development and industrial collaboration. Singh also stressed India’s dedication to peaceful solutions amid global conflicts and cross-border terrorism, appreciating Australia’s support on security matters. The dialogue built upon four prior ministerial meetings since the elevation of the Australia–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020. A joint statement highlighted agreements on expanding the bilateral defence architecture, strengthening consultations, and institutionalizing an annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogue. The ministers welcomed the signing of the Australia–India Implementing Arrangement on Mutual Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation and progress on operationalizing the 2024 Air-to-Air Refuelling arrangement. Both sides agreed on establishing Joint Staff Talks to improve joint exercises, operational interoperability, and defence planning across domains. India’s participation in Australia’s Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 was confirmed, with plans for further engagement in 2027. Discussions also emphasized strengthening regional cooperation to maintain a free, open, peaceful, and stable Indo-Pacific, supporting freedom of navigation, unimpeded trade, and lawful use of the sea under the 1982 UNCLOS. The ministers welcomed the growing defence cooperation among Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, highlighting convergence on maritime domain awareness and collaborative exercises. Both countries affirmed support for initiatives promoting joint maritime surveillance and participation in the India–US air exercise Cope India in 2025, including observation by Japan. The dialogue concluded with a commitment to continued strategic collaboration. Marles accepted Singh’s invitation to visit India for the next Annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in 2026, further consolidating the defence partnership between the two nations. This engagement signals a strengthened operational and strategic alignment, enhancing collective security and contributing to regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. The dialogue reflects the ongoing evolution of India–Australia ties, moving beyond high-level strategic conversations toward practical, operational collaboration across military, technological, and maritime domains. Both nations reiterated their shared vision of a secure, free, and prosperous region, positioning their partnership as a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific stability. India and Australia Strengthen Defence Ties India and Australia are deepening their defence partnership through enhanced strategic dialogue and joint operational planning. During the Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in Canberra, leaders discussed expanding joint exercises, information sharing, and agreements on submarine rescue and air-to-air refuelling. India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted cooperation in defence technology, co-development, and opportunities for Australian companies under India’s self-reliance initiatives. Both countries committed to strengthening noregional security, maritime domain awareness, and participation in multilateral exercises. The dialogue also included plans for annual Defence Ministers’ meetings, joint staff talks, and greater operational collaboration, reinforcing their shared vision of a free, secure, and stable Indo-Pacific region.
