Marking a new milestone in bilateral defence cooperation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles held the first Australia–India Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in Australia, underscoring the deepening strategic and security ties between the two nations.
The discussions reflected the rapid progress achieved since the elevation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a shared vision of regional stability, maritime security, and defence industry collaboration.
The ministers announced key developments, including the signing of the Implementing Arrangement on Mutual Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation, and reviewed progress on the Air-to-Air Refuelling Arrangement. They also highlighted growing interoperability through joint exercises such as Talisman Sabre, Tarang Shakti, and Austrahind, and welcomed new exchanges between defence academies and staff colleges.
Emphasizing the importance of defence industrial collaboration, the ministers acknowledged the success of Australia’s first Defence Trade Mission to India (October 7–10, 2025) and the upcoming Defence Industry Roundtable in Sydney. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in advanced technologies, maintenance, and ship repair capabilities.
The dialogue reaffirmed strong support for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, freedom of navigation, and enhanced maritime domain awareness. Ministers also welcomed trilateral and Quad cooperation involving India, Australia, Japan, and the United States, aimed at ensuring regional peace and stability.
The two sides agreed to continue annual ministerial dialogues, with the next meeting to be hosted in India in 2026 — reinforcing the growing trust and strategic alignment between the two democracies.
