The 9th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks took place in New Delhi on Monday, where both nations committed to enhancing defense cooperation, with a focus on interoperability across multiple domains. The discussions were led by India’s Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad and Australia’s First Assistant Secretary Bernard Philip.

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• India and Australia pledged to strengthen defense ties and enhance interoperability across maritime, land, and air domains.
• Bilateral defense cooperation has seen progress through joint exercises and exchanges, growing in complexity and frequency.
• The talks focused on maritime domain awareness, reciprocal information sharing, and collaboration in defense science and technology.
• Both nations discussed increased participation in defense trade expositions and further defense industry collaboration.
• The two countries reviewed key engagements like the 2+2 dialogues in November 2023 and 2024, and the Annual Leaders’ Summit in November 2024.
• They reiterated their shared vision for a peaceful Indo-Pacific region and mutual concerns over regional and global issues.
• Preparations were made for the upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Australia, planned for 2025.
• Both sides emphasized long-term vision development for defense and security collaboration.
• The Australian delegation will visit Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd in Mumbai as part of the visit.
• Bernard Philip is set to meet India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Tuesday.