India, Australia Deepen Defence Partnership
PM Modi, Albanese Commit to Stronger Security Cooperation for a Free and Stable Indo-Pacific
GG News Bureau
Melbourne, 9th July: India and Australia on Thursday unveiled a Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, committing to deepen strategic collaboration across defence, maritime security, advanced technologies and counter-terrorism to strengthen peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
The declaration, issued following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, reaffirmed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2020 and outlined an ambitious roadmap to elevate bilateral defence and security ties.
The two leaders expressed concern over growing geostrategic uncertainty and reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, peaceful and rules-based Indo-Pacific founded on international law, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and freedom of navigation under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
India and Australia agreed to expand defence cooperation by increasing the complexity of joint military exercises, enhancing interoperability, improving information sharing, expanding aircraft deployments and strengthening exchanges, education and training among defence personnel.
The two countries also announced plans to strengthen maritime cooperation through an India-Australia Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap and deepen collaboration between their defence industries, innovation ecosystems and supply chains, particularly in defence technology and critical minerals.
The declaration also commits both nations to closer cooperation in cyber security, emerging technologies, critical infrastructure, counter-terrorism, combating violent extremism, organised crime and irregular migration.
Recognising the importance of resilient supply chains, both sides agreed to work together in areas including clean energy technologies, critical minerals and strategic technologies while expanding cooperation through the Quad and other Indo-Pacific partnerships.
The two countries also pledged closer collaboration in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), including joint exercises, information sharing and coordinated disaster response operations to enhance regional resilience.
The leaders expressed confidence that the strengthened partnership would contribute significantly to regional peace, security and prosperity while advancing their shared vision for a stable Indo-Pacific.
