India and Australia Expand Defence Partnership Across Strategic, Military and Industrial Domains

Defence cooperation has emerged as one of the defining pillars of the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with both countries steadily expanding collaboration across military operations, maritime security, defence technology, industrial cooperation and strategic dialogue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia, following the successful conclusion of his three-day visit to Indonesia, reflects the growing strategic importance of the bilateral relationship and provides an opportunity for both sides to review progress while charting the future course of cooperation. The discussions are expected to cover defence and security, trade and investment, critical minerals, clean energy, technology, education and regional developments in the Indo-Pacific.

The foundation of the modern defence partnership was laid during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Australia in 2014, when both countries agreed to institutionalise regular Defence Ministers’ meetings, strengthen service-to-service engagements and expand maritime cooperation through regular military exercises. Since then, bilateral defence ties have evolved into a comprehensive partnership encompassing operational cooperation, capacity building, defence diplomacy and industrial collaboration.

A major milestone was achieved in March 2022 with the signing of the Implementing Arrangement for the Cross-deployment of Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The agreement has enhanced interoperability between the two countries and strengthened maritime surveillance and operational coordination across the Indo-Pacific.

High-level defence engagements have continued to reinforce the partnership. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held discussions with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles in July 2024. Later that year, on the sidelines of the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, Singh met Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy, to review ongoing defence cooperation and explore new avenues of collaboration.

Military exercises have become one of the strongest indicators of the growing strategic relationship. The bilateral naval exercise AUSINDEX has expanded significantly in both scale and complexity over the years. The latest edition, held in Sydney in August 2023, reaffirmed the two navies’ commitment to enhancing maritime interoperability following Australia’s record participation in the 2019 edition.

The bilateral Army exercise AUSTRAHIND has also continued to grow. The 2023 edition in Western Australia marked the first time all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces participated together, while the 2024 exercise, conducted in Pune from 8 to 21 November, further strengthened joint operational capabilities and tactical coordination.

Beyond bilateral exercises, both countries have become regular participants in each other’s major military engagements. Australia has consistently taken part in India’s multinational naval exercise MILAN, while Indian naval ships have participated in Australia’s Kakadu Exercise. The Indian Air Force has also participated in Exercise Pitch Black, reflecting the increasing depth of cooperation between the two air forces.

India and Australia have also strengthened cooperation through multilateral exercises. Both countries joined the French-led La Pérouse naval exercise alongside the United States and Japan in 2021. India participated as an observer in Australia’s Exercise Talisman Sabre, while Australian forces joined Exercise Malabar 2024 after India deployed naval assets, including a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, during the previous edition hosted in Sydney.

Cooperation has expanded into specialised operational domains as well. The Indian Air Force participated in Exercise Southern Discovery supporting Antarctic operations in February 2024 and later joined Exercise Southern Jackaroo as an observer. In another first, Australian combat aircraft participated in India’s multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti in September 2024, demonstrating growing confidence and interoperability between the two air forces.

Institutional dialogue has continued to provide strategic direction to the defence partnership. Regular Defence Policy Talks, Naval Talks, Army Staff Talks and Air Staff Talks have created structured mechanisms for reviewing bilateral cooperation, addressing emerging security challenges and identifying new areas for collaboration.

Senior military leadership exchanges have further strengthened strategic understanding. Visits by the chiefs of the Indian Navy and Army to Australia, followed by reciprocal visits by senior Australian military leaders to India, have enhanced defence diplomacy. In March 2025, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan visited Australia for discussions with Australia’s Chief of Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston, focusing on military training, regional security and Indo-Pacific cooperation.

Maritime security remains another important area of collaboration. India, Australia and Indonesia have institutionalised trilateral engagement through maritime security workshops, with the second edition held in Kochi in May 2024. The initiative reflects the shared commitment of the three countries to promoting a secure, stable and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

Defence industrial cooperation has also gathered momentum in recent years. Through the Joint Working Group on Research, Industry and Materiel Cooperation, both countries are exploring opportunities in defence manufacturing, technology development and industrial partnerships. Indian representatives visited major Australian naval shipbuilding facilities in Adelaide and Perth during 2024 to identify areas for collaboration in shipbuilding and maintenance.

The growing industrial partnership has also been reflected in defence exhibitions and international expos. Indian defence public sector enterprises showcased indigenous technologies at the Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference in Perth, while an Indian delegation participated in Australia’s Land Forces Defence Exposition in Melbourne. Australia participated in Aero India 2025, while Indian representatives attended the Avalon Australian International Airshow 2025, highlighting expanding collaboration between the defence industries of both countries.

People-to-people engagement within the armed forces has emerged as another important pillar of cooperation. The General Rawat India–Australia Young Defence Officers’ Exchange Programme, launched in 2022, provides young officers from both countries with opportunities to develop professional networks and gain deeper insights into each other’s military institutions. Following its inaugural edition in India in 2023, the second edition was hosted by Australia in July 2024.

Prime Minister Modi’s ongoing visit to Australia comes at a time when bilateral ties are witnessing unprecedented momentum across strategic, economic and security sectors. As both countries seek to address emerging regional challenges and strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, defence remains a cornerstone of the partnership. The continued expansion of military engagement, defence industry collaboration, maritime cooperation and institutional dialogue reflects the shared commitment of India and Australia to building a resilient, future-oriented strategic partnership that contributes to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

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