India, Australia strengthen defence ties as China asserts dominance in Indo-Pacific

In order to strengthen the crucial strategic partnership with India, Australia's deputy prime minister and defence minister, Richard Marles, co-chaired the second India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi. During the meeting, the defence ministers of the two countries discussed the progress of this pivotal relationship since the first such dialogue was held in Australia in October last year. Both nations have termed this relationship a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Building on the 2020 logistics support arrangement, the two countries agreed to enhance procedural interoperability and continue reciprocal aircraft deployments. The ministers discussed maritime security cooperation, including finalising a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap, expanding maritime domain awareness through patrol aircraft, and enhancing undersea surveillance. They also encouraged closer ties between the Indian Coast Guard and Australia's Maritime Border Command.

As co-leads of the IORA Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security, the two sides will jointly host a search-and-rescue and tabletop exercise at Chennai's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in June 2026.



Military engagement between the two countries is also expanding, with Indian forces set to participate in Exercise Kakadu in 2026 and Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2027, while Australia will take part in Exercise Milan. The bilateral air-to-air refuelling arrangement is expected to be operationalised during Exercise Pitch Black. Army-to-army cooperation will deepen through the expanded amphibious focus of Exercise Austrahind, India's participation in Operation Render Safe, and Australia's participation in the submarine rescue exercise Black Carillon.

Both sides welcomed increased information sharing, the upcoming Joint Staff Talks, and secure communications. Training cooperation will include the deployment of an Indian instructor to the Australian Defence College. The ministers reaffirmed their support for freedom of navigation, Quad maritime surveillance initiatives, and building a common operational picture across the Indo‑Pacific.

Defence industrial collaboration was also a key focus of discussions between the two defence ministers. Australia's first defence trade mission to India and the Defence Industry Roundtable in 2025 were highlighted as important milestones. Future collaboration will include joint research in sensor technologies, with India also set to participate in the 2026 Australian Defence Science Summit.