India and Australia have taken significant steps to bolster their strategic partnership, as Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles co-chaired the second India-Australia Defence Ministers' Dialogue in New Delhi. This meeting comes at a time when China is increasingly asserting its dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.
Progress Since the First Dialogue
During the dialogue, the defence ministers reviewed the advancements made since the inaugural meeting held in Australia in October 2025. Both nations have designated their relationship as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting its growing importance.
Enhancing Interoperability and Maritime Security
Building on the logistics support arrangement signed in 2020, India and Australia agreed to improve 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. Closer ties between the Indian Coast Guard and Australia's Maritime Border Command were also encouraged.
Joint Exercises and Training
As co-leads of the IORA Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security, both sides will jointly host a search-and-rescue and tabletop exercise at Chennai's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in June 2026. Military engagement is expanding, with Indian forces set to participate in Exercise Kakadu in 2026 and Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2027. Australia will take part in Exercise Milan, and 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.
Information Sharing and Strategic Alignment
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
Defence industrial collaboration was a key focus. Australia's first defence trade mission to India and the Defence Industry Roundtable in 2025 were highlighted as milestones. Future collaboration will include joint research in sensor technologies, with India set to participate in the 2026 Australian Defence Science Summit.
