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Australia and India have formalised stronger collaboration and cooperation on defence priorities in the Indo-Pacific region in a new document.
India’s prime minister, Shri Narendra Modi, recently met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne to discuss renewed security agreements in what Prime Minister Albanese called an “increasingly challenging global environment”.
Together, the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation was signed to reaffirm the practical measures India and Australia will take on together to achieve optimised peace outcomes.
The 20-point assertion commits and reaffirms a range of defensive protection measures, such as “deepening strategic dialogue … increasing the complexity of our defence exercises … shape a technology environment that meets our shared vision”.
Earlier this year, the 10th annual Australia-India Defence Policy Talks were held in New Delhi to reaffirm commitments in defence interoperability between the two nations.
The Australia–India Defence Industry Roundtable was also hosted by Sydney last year, providing defence trade and industry leaders with an opportunity to work together on strategic concerns.
“Our defence and security cooperation is a force for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” Prime Minister Albanese said.
“The Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation demonstrates our growing strategic alignment and articulates our shared vision for the region.”
Maritime security was noted as a specific area of focus, with the Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap highlighting the specific initial strategies needed to ensure regional marine challenges are secured.
Australia’s Maritime Border Command and the Indian Coast Guard additionally signed a memorandum of understanding, committing to similar priorities.
“Australia’s defence relationship with India is growing from strength to strength, underpinned by a shared ambition to enhance cooperation across all domains,” Defence Minister Richard Marles said.
“By working together, we are not only making an important contribution to Australia’s security, but to the peace and security of the region.”
Cyber security was also formalised, a growing area of needed collaboration, with the nations signing the Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains.
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