The 9th Australia-India Defence Policy Talks (DPTs) were held in New Delhi on 17 March. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad, while the Australian side was led by First Assistant Secretary International Policy Division, Department of Defence Australia Mr Bernard Philip. The eighth DPT was held in 2023.
Over the years, Defence has emerged as an important pillar of India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both sides welcomed sustained progress in bilateral defence cooperation, including the growing frequency and complexity of defence exercises and exchanges. This included several first-time milestones, finalisation of key agreements and participation in each other's major defence trade expositions.
The ninth DPT reviewed defence outcomes of second Ministerial Foreign and Defence Ministers' 2+2 in November 2023, intersessional 2+2 consultations at secretary level in October 2024, the second Annual Leaders' Summit in November 2024.
The discussions focused on cooperation priorities including maritime domain awareness, reciprocal information sharing, industry and science and technology collaboration, and exercises and exchanges including deployments from each other's territories. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
India and Australia are committed to working together to promote a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
The two sides agreed priorities and preparations for the next 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue to be held in Australia in 2025. The two sides reiterated their commitment to work on formulating long-term vision of defence and security collaboration between the two countries as envisioned by both prime ministers, to enhance collective strength, contribute to both countries' security and make an important contribution to regional peace and security.
The two sides explored possibilities of Defence Industry collaboration. The two sides called upon respective agencies on both sides for acceleration cooperation in field of defence science and technology collaboration.
The two sides agreed next steps to deepen cooperation and interoperability across maritime, land, and air domains, including working with multilateral partners.
As part of the visit, Australian delegation will be visiting Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders shipyard.
The Australian co-chair will be calling on Defence Secretary, India on 18 March 2025.
