India and Australia Deepen Defence and Technology Partnership

India and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence and technology ties during the 9th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks on March 17 in New Delhi. Discussions focused on maritime security, information sharing, joint exercises, scientific collaboration, and industrial partnerships. Both nations explored ways to enhance operational coordination through force deployments.

The Indian delegation, led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad, and the Australian team, headed by Bernard Philip, discussed regional and global security concerns. They reviewed past high-level meetings, including the 2023 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue and the 2024 Secretary-level consultations.

Plans were set for the next 2+2 ministerial dialogue in Australia, along with deeper defence industry cooperation across land, sea, and air domains. The Australian delegation will visit Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd in Mumbai, and Bernard Philip will meet India’s Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh, on March 18 to continue discussions on strategic collaboration.

India and Australia Deepen Defence and Technology Partnership

India and Australia have taken significant steps to deepen their collaboration in defence and technology during the 9th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks, held on March 17 in New Delhi. The discussions focused on strengthening ties in key areas such as maritime security, information sharing, joint military exercises, scientific research, and industrial partnerships. Both countries also explored ways to improve operational coordination, including the potential deployment of forces on each other’s territories.

The Indian delegation was led by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary, while the Australian team was headed by Bernard Philip, First Assistant Secretary of Australia’s Department of Defence. During the meeting, they addressed regional and global security challenges and emphasized the need to further strengthen their strategic partnership. Both nations acknowledged the growing importance of working together to tackle shared security concerns.

The talks highlighted progress in defence cooperation, particularly the increasing complexity and frequency of joint military exercises. They also reviewed the outcomes of previous high-level meetings, including the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in November 2023, the Secretary-level talks in October 2024, and the annual leaders’ summit in November 2024. These discussions have laid a strong foundation for continued collaboration between the two nations.

Looking ahead, India and Australia outlined their priorities for the next 2+2 ministerial dialogue, scheduled to take place in Australia later this year. They also explored opportunities to expand cooperation in the defence industry and enhance coordination across land, sea, and air domains. This includes working closely with other international partners to strengthen global security.

As part of their visit, the Australian delegation will tour Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) in Mumbai, a key player in India’s shipbuilding industry. Additionally, Bernard Philip is set to meet India’s Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh, on March 18 to continue discussions on strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.

The growing partnership between India and Australia reflects their shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. By collaborating on defence and technology, both countries aim to address emerging security challenges and drive innovation. The discussions during the Defence Policy Talks highlight the significance of this relationship and the potential for further growth in the coming years.

In summary, the 9th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks marked a major step forward in strengthening ties between the two nations. By focusing on key areas such as maritime security, joint exercises, and industrial cooperation, India and Australia are working together to enhance their strategic partnership. The Australian delegation’s visit to Mumbai and the upcoming meeting with India’s Defence Secretary further demonstrate the commitment of both countries to deepening their collaboration in defence and technology. This partnership not only benefits India and Australia but also contributes to regional and global security.