The 9th edition of the India-Australia Defence Policy Talks was held in New Delhi on 17th March 2025, reinforcing the growing defence cooperation between the two nations. Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad led the Indian delegation, while the Australian side was represented by Mr Bernard Philip, First Assistant Secretary, International Policy Division, Department of Defence Australia.

Key Outcomes of the Dialogue Strengthening Defence Cooperation:

Both sides welcomed the increasing complexity and frequency of defence exercises and exchanges. Several first-time milestones were acknowledged, including the finalisation of key agreements and participation in major defence trade expositions. Review of Past Engagements:

Ministerial Foreign & Defence Ministers' 2+2 Dialogue (November 2023). Secretary-level Inter-Sessional 2+2 Consultations (October 2024). Annual Leaders’ Summit (November 2024). Focus Areas of Defence Cooperation:

Maritime Domain Awareness & Reciprocal Information Sharing. Joint Exercises & Deployments. Science & Technology Collaboration. Defence Industry Cooperation. Engagement with Multilateral Partners. Commitment to a Stable Indo-Pacific Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, underscoring their collective security vision. The discussions also included regional and global security issues of mutual interest.

Roadmap for Future Engagements Next Steps:

Preparations for the next 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Australia (2025). Advancing long-term defence & security collaboration. Deepening interoperability across maritime, land, and air domains. Defence Industry & S&T Collaboration:

Both sides agreed to accelerate cooperation in defence science & technology. Defence industry collaboration opportunities were explored, urging respective agencies to fast-track joint initiatives. Defence – A Pillar of India-Australia Strategic Partnership Over the years, defence has become a crucial pillar of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The 8th edition of the Defence Policy Talks was held in 2023.

Australian Delegation’s Visit to India:

The delegation will visit Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd., Mumbai. Australian Co-Chair to meet Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh on 18th March 2025. The 9th Defence Policy Talks reaffirm the growing India-Australia defence partnership, further strengthening bilateral security cooperation and regional stability.