New Delhi: India and Australia have agreed to deepen defence and maritime security cooperation, with both countries moving towards finalising a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap and expanding partnership across the Indo-Pacific region.
The decisions were announced following the second India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue held in India, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Australian deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles.
The two sides reviewed progress made since the inaugural dialogue held in October 2025 and discussed ways to strengthen strategic and defence ties. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation and advance the long-term vision set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
They also welcomed progress towards renewing and strengthening the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation.
A key outcome of the dialogue was the progress made towards finalising the Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap. Both countries agreed to expand maritime domain awareness activities through cooperation between maritime patrol aircraft and explore opportunities to improve undersea domain awareness.
The ministers also encouraged closer cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard and Australia’s Maritime Border Command. The two sides stressed the importance of freedom of navigation, overflight and adherence to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
