India and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding defence and security cooperation across the Indo-Pacific, with a special focus on maritime security, defence collaboration, and regional stability.

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• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles co-chaired the second India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi on 1 June 2026.
• Both countries reviewed the substantial progress achieved in bilateral defence relations since the inaugural Defence Ministers’ Dialogue held in October 2025.
• India and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region amid evolving strategic and security challenges.
• The discussions focused on enhancing maritime security cooperation, defence industry partnerships, military interoperability, and collaboration in emerging and critical technologies.
• Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region to ensure regional peace and stability.
• India and Australia reiterated their support for Quad-led maritime initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and addressing shared maritime challenges.
• The two countries agreed to work towards developing a Common Operational Picture across the Indo-Pacific to improve maritime domain awareness and coordination.
• The dialogue advanced the long-term strategic vision of both nations’ leadership for building a stronger and more comprehensive strategic partnership.