Our Bureau
New Delhi
India and Australia have moved to strengthen their defence partnership by widening cooperation in maritime security, cybersecurity and emerging technologies, amid growing strategic concern over China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.
The two countries agreed to expand and diversify defence industry collaboration during a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Australian counterpart Richard Marles in New Delhi, the Ministry of Defence said. This partnership also covers counter-terrorism, hydrographic security and wider strategic cooperation.
The talks come as both countries seek to build a more resilient security framework in the region, where maritime routes and sea lanes remain central to trade and defence planning. Australia has described India as a “top-tier security partner,” reflecting the growing alignment between the two democracies.
Alongside defence cooperation, the two sides are also looking at broader collaboration in science and technology, including critical minerals, space and other emerging areas. The focus on joint innovation is expected to support both military preparedness and industrial growth.
The India-Australia partnership has advanced steadily in recent years through joint exercises, logistics arrangements and wider Quad cooperation, with both sides now seeking to deepen interoperability across maritime, land and air domains.
The latest push signals a sharper strategic convergence as India and Australia aim to balance regional tensions while reinforcing a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
