India, Australia hold 10th Defence Policy Talks, push for deeper maritime and industrial cooperation
New Delhi, May 9. India and Australia held the 10th edition of their Defence Policy Talks in New Delhi on May 8 reaffirming their commitment to the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advancing cooperation across defence, maritime security and industry.
The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad, while the Australian side was headed by Bernard Philip, First Assistant Secretary for International Policy. The discussions reviewed recent progress in bilateral defence engagement and underscored the growing trust between the two countries.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, both sides welcomed the establishment of the annual India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in 2025, which has strengthened regular consultations at the highest level. They also noted the finalisation of key implementing arrangements and looked ahead to holding the first India-Australia Joint Staff Talks later this year.
The co-chairs assessed the implementation of decisions taken during the 2024 India-Australia Annual Leaders’ Summit, particularly efforts to renew and strengthen the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation and to develop a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap.
The talks highlighted the increasing scale and complexity of joint military exercises and reaffirmed a shared commitment to enhancing maritime cooperation in support of regional stability. Both sides agreed on steps to deepen interoperability across all operational domains and to expand collaboration with regional partners.
Training exchanges were also reviewed, including the Gen Bipin Rawat Memorial Young Officers Exchange Programme and reciprocal visits between the Indian Military Academy and the Royal Military College, Duntroon.
Such initiatives strengthen people-to-people ties within the armed forces and promote a better understanding of regional and global perspectives.
The two countries further acknowledged the strategic value of defence industrial collaboration. They welcomed efforts to integrate their defence industries through initiatives such as the first India-Australia Defence Industry Roundtable in Sydney in 2025, Australia’s inaugural defence trade mission to India the same year, and a defence industry strategic roundtable held during the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi in 2026.
