India-Australia defence talks: Maritime, military cooperation deepened at 10th Policy Talks
Synopsis
India and Australia deepened their defence ties at the 10th Defence Policy Talks in New Delhi, agreeing to hold the first-ever Joint Staff Talks later in 2025, renew their Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, and advance a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap — signalling a major institutional upgrade to one of the Indo-Pacific's fastest-growing strategic partnerships.
Key Takeaways
India and Australia held the 10th Defence Policy Talks in New Delhi on 8 May 2025 .
Talks were led by Amitabh Prasad (India) and Bernard Philip (Australia).
Both sides welcomed the launch of the annual India-Australia Defence Ministers' Dialogue in 2025 .
First India-Australia Joint Staff Talks confirmed for later in 2025.
Defence industry milestones include the first India-Australia Defence Industry Roundtable in Sydney and Australia's first defence trade mission to India.
Training initiatives such as the Gen Bipin Rawat Memorial Young Officers Exchange Programme and military academy exchanges were highlighted.
India and Australia have reaffirmed their rapidly expanding strategic and defence partnership, committing to deeper military cooperation, enhanced maritime security coordination, and stronger defence industry engagement, following the 10th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks held in New Delhi on 8 May 2025. The high-level meeting marks a significant step in consolidating bilateral ties under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Key Developments from the Policy Talks
The discussions were led by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary for International Cooperation in India's Ministry of Defence, and Bernard Philip, Australia's First Assistant Secretary for International Policy. Officials from both sides welcomed the expansion of bilateral defence cooperation, including the establishment of the annual India-Australia Defence Ministers' Dialogue in 2025, which reportedly reflects
Point of View
Though neither side names it explicitly. The push for a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap is particularly significant: it suggests the two countries want interoperability that goes beyond joint exercises and into coordinated operational planning. The real test will be whether the defence industry roundtables translate into actual co-production or remain networking events.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was discussed at the 10th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks?
The talks, held in New Delhi on 8 May 2025, covered enhanced military interoperability, expansion of joint exercises, maritime security cooperation, and defence industry engagement. Both sides also reviewed progress on commitments from the 2024 India-Australia Annual Leaders' Summit.
What is the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership?
It is the overarching framework governing bilateral ties between India and Australia, encompassing defence, trade, and regional security cooperation. The partnership has been progressively upgraded, with the Defence Ministers' Dialogue formally established in 2025.
When will the first India-Australia Joint Staff Talks be held?
Both countries confirmed that the first India-Australia Joint Staff Talks will be held later in 2025, marking a significant step toward deeper institutional defence engagement between the two nations.
What defence industry initiatives have India and Australia launched?
Key initiatives include the first India-Australia Defence Industry Roundtable held in Sydney in 2025, Australia's first defence trade mission to India, and a strategic defence industry roundtable at the Raisina Dialogue. These aim to advance co-production and technology-sharing.
What training and exchange programmes were highlighted at the talks?
Officials highlighted the Gen Bipin Rawat Memorial Young Officers Exchange Programme and military academy exchanges between the Indian Military Academy and Australia's Royal Military College, Duntroon, as programmes building mutual trust and shared strategic understanding.
