India and Australia on Thursday unveiled the Australia-India Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation (2026), committing to accelerate their defence and security partnership. The declaration was issued during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Australia and reaffirmed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between the two nations.
Key Commitments in the Declaration
The declaration outlines an ambitious roadmap for closer strategic coordination in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment. The two Prime Ministers stated, "We... commit to this Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation," adding that they are "motivated by a common ambition for an open, peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific."
Noting growing regional security challenges, the declaration said, "We note with concern geostrategic uncertainty, and threats to regional peace and stability. We encourage all parties to work together peacefully and call for the resolution of disputes without the threat or use of force or coercion and in accordance with international law."
Maritime and Defence Industry Cooperation
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to an Indo-Pacific underpinned by international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, freedom of navigation under UNCLOS, and effective regional institutions. They committed to "an acceleration in our advanced, integrated, and top-tier defence and security partnership," recognising a long-term vision of defence collaboration.
India and Australia agreed to increase the complexity of defence exercises, accelerate interoperability and information sharing, expand aircraft deployments from each other's territories, deepen personnel exchanges, and explore cooperation in recruiting skilled defence workforces. They also agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation through an India-Australia Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap.
Counter-Terrorism and Cyber Security
On regional security, both countries pledged to increase information sharing on terrorist threats, entities, and individuals, while enhancing cooperation to counter violent extremism, terrorism financing, online radicalisation, and threats to critical infrastructure and maritime security. They also committed to strengthening cooperation on cyber security and critical technologies under the Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS).
Broader Strategic Alignment
The declaration reaffirmed cooperation under the 2023 Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement to combat irregular migration, people smuggling, human trafficking, and transnational organised crime. India and Australia also pledged to deepen collaboration in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), including through information sharing, expert exchanges, and joint exercises.
The two countries said they would expand cooperation with the United States and Japan, including through the Quad and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, to advance their positive vision for the region. Concluding the declaration, the Prime Ministers stated, "In the spirit of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, we commit fully to implementing this ambitious agenda to support a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region."
