The 10th Australia-India Defence Policy Talks were held in New Delhi on 8 May. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad, while the Australian side was led by First Assistant Secretary International Policy Mr Bernard Philip.
Both sides welcomed recent advancements in bilateral defence cooperation. The establishment of the annual Australia-India Defence Ministers' Dialogue in 2025 has enhanced consultation and reflected the growing trust between the two countries.
The Australian and Indian delegations welcomed the recent finalisation of key implementing arrangements and the continued high tempo of first-time milestones. They look forward to holding the first Australia-India Joint Staff Talks this year.
The co-chairs discussed outcomes from the 2024 Australia-India Annual Leaders' Summit: to renew and strengthen the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, and develop a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap.
The two sides welcomed the increased frequency and complexity of joint defence exercises. This includes India's inaugural participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre and Exercise Puk Puk in 2025. Australia and India continue to deepen maritime cooperation, including through Indian Navy and Royal Australian Navy participation in each other's International Fleet Reviews and in Exercise Milan and Exercise Kakadu this year.
The co-chairs agreed next steps to deepen interoperability across all domains. Reaffirming their defence ministers' vision, they agreed to continue enhancing cooperation with regional partners.
The two sides acknowledged the strategic importance of defence industrial collaboration and engagement. They welcomed efforts to facilitate connections, including the first Australia-India Defence Industry Roundtable in Sydney in 2025, Australia's first defence trade mission to India in 2025, and the defence industry strategic roundtable at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi in 2026.
