10th India–Australia Defence Policy Talks
were held in New Delhi
¨
The 10th India–Australia
Defence Policy Talks were held in New Delhi on 8 May 2026.
¨
The Indian delegation was
led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad.
¨
The Australian side was
represented by First Assistant Secretary for International Policy Bernard
Philip.
¨
Discussions focused on
bilateral defence cooperation, maritime security, military training exchanges,
and defence industry collaboration.
¨
India and Australia
elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020.
¨
Since then, defence
cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of bilateral relations.
¨
The annual
India–Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue was initiated in 2025.
¨
The Defence Policy Talks
are considered an important part of the institutional consultation mechanism
between the two countries.
¨
The meeting reviewed the
outcomes of the 2024 India–Australia Annual Leaders’ Summit.
¨
Both sides discussed the
renewal of the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation.
¨
They also considered the
development of a Joint Maritime Security Cooperation Roadmap.
¨
Several important
implementation arrangements were finalised during the talks.
¨
The two countries also
planned to hold the first India–Australia Joint Staff Talks in 2026.
¨ The discussions also
covered the General Bipin Rawat Memorial Young Officers’ Exchange Programme.
¨ The initiative aims to strengthen officer exchanges between the Indian Military Academy and the Royal Military College Duntroon.
¨ The programme is expected to enhance professional experience-sharing and strategic understanding between the armed forces of both countries.