India and Australia Sign New Joint Declaration to Strengthen Defence Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have signed a new joint declaration aimed at deepening defence cooperation between the two nations. The announcement was made during a bilateral meeting, underscoring the growing strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.
The declaration outlines areas of collaboration including maritime security, joint military exercises, and defence technology sharing. Both leaders emphasised the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific, aligning with their shared commitment to regional stability.
This agreement builds on the existing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA). It also complements their mutual involvement in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) alongside Japan and the United States.
Analysts note that the deepening defence ties reflect a convergence of strategic interests, particularly in countering assertive actions in the South China Sea and ensuring adherence to international law. The declaration is expected to enhance interoperability between the Indian and Australian defence forces through regular exercises and information sharing.
Both leaders expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations, with further cooperation anticipated in cyber security, counter-terrorism, and defence industrial partnerships. The agreement marks a significant step in the India-Australia strategic partnership, reinforcing their role as key partners in the Indo-Pacific.
