Strengthening cooperation on defence and security with India

Australia and India will strengthen cooperation on defence and security to support our shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of the Republic of India met in Melbourne today and announced a series of outcomes to elevate our ambitious defence and security cooperation.

The Prime Ministers issued the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation(link is external) to deepen our practical partnership.

Australia values India as a top-tier security partner and the Declaration reflects our shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Australia and India will boost strategic coordination, increase the complexity of our defence exercises and further build interoperability between our defence forces. We undertake to consult on defence related developments in the Indo-Pacific that affect shared interests.

Maritime security is where Australia and India's geography and security interests most strongly align and intersect.

The Prime Ministers endorsed a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap, setting out concrete milestones to deepen our cooperation in response to maritime security challenges. It will improve operational coordination, information sharing and capability development across the breadth of our maritime security cooperation.

The Leaders also welcomed a Memorandum of Understanding between Australia's Maritime Border Command and the Indian Coast Guard to enhance cooperation on civil maritime security.

In addition, the Leaders announced the Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains. The Partnership will bolster our respective capabilities, support our industrial, research, and business links, and anchor our cooperation in safety, security and resilience.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

"In an increasingly challenging global environment, our defence and security cooperation is a force for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

"The Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation demonstrates our growing strategic alignment and articulates our shared vision for the region."

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles

"Australia's defence relationship with India is growing from strength to strength, underpinned by a shared ambition to enhance cooperation across all domains.

"By working together we are not only making an important contribution to Australia's security, but to the peace and security of the region."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong

"In a more uncertain and disrupted world, Australia and India's partnership has never been more consequential.

"The Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation is anchored in strategic trust and will strengthen our efforts to shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region."