Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Australia from July 8-10 resulted in 18 major outcomes. These include the adoption of a Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, which aims to advance defence industrial collaboration and joint innovation ecosystems. The declaration also promotes information sharing and deepens cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).
Maritime Security and Energy Cooperation
A Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap was also adopted, focusing on enhancing information sharing, capability development, and operational coordination. It strengthens cooperation in HADR, pollution response, and search and rescue operations. Additionally, a Joint Statement on Energy Security was issued, reaffirming both nations' commitment to strengthening energy security. The statement recognizes India's role as a key supplier of liquid fuels and downstream energy products to Australia and supports the continued flow of energy products between the two countries.
An administrative arrangement under the India-Australia Civil Nuclear Agreement will enable the supply of Australian uranium to India, diversifying India's energy sources and strengthening its energy security.
Strategic Initiatives in Cyber and Critical Technologies
India and Australia launched the Australia-India Partnership for Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains to bolster cooperation in cybersecurity, resilient supply chains, and emerging technologies. An MoU was signed between the Indian Coast Guard and Australia's Maritime Border Command to enhance coordinated coastal surveillance, maritime domain awareness, and maritime law enforcement. Australia also invited an Indian military instructor to join the Australian Defence College for 2028-29, aiming to strengthen professional military engagement and knowledge exchange.
Economic and Education Outcomes
Several agreements were signed in education and skills development. An MoU establishes a Centre of Excellence in Mining and Mining Equipment, Technology and Services at the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI), Bhubaneswar. A Letter of Intent allows Flinders University to establish a campus in Bengaluru, and Victoria University received approval to set up a campus in Gurugram. India's National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen quality assurance in vocational education and align occupational standards.
Repatriation of Antiquities and Cultural Cooperation
Three Indian antiquities were repatriated from Australia: a sacred bull Nandi (11th-12th century granite sculpture), a bronze Trident with Bhadrakali, and a 12th-century basalt sculpture of the six-headed Skanda (Karttikeya).
Clean Energy and Research Collaborations
The Rooftop Solar Training Academy at Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar, was operationalized to train 2,000 women and youth as solar technicians under India's clean energy programme. Other agreements include an MoU under the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership; cooperation between Geoscience Australia and Geological Survey of India on advanced mineral exploration; a Traditional Knowledge Digital Library access agreement between CSIR and IP Australia; an MoU between CSIR and University of Melbourne for collaborative research; and an agreement between Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute and Griffith Film School to promote film education and academic exchanges.
