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India and Australia have firmed up an air-to-air refuelling arrangement to bolster the operational reach of their respective air forces, a move aimed at enhancing India’s military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Australian counterpart, Pat Conroy MP, announced the agreement during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of a regional security conclave in Vientiane, Laos, on Thursday.

 

Under the arrangement, the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) KC-30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft will refuel Indian military planes, thereby enhancing interoperability between the two air forces.

 

The deal is expected to deepen defence ties between the two countries, officials said.

 

An implementing arrangement on air-to-air refuelling was also exchanged, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations, according to the Ministry of Defence.

 

Both parties agreed to elevate defence engagements further, focusing not only on bilateral cooperation but also on regional security concerns. The arrangement was formalised during the Australia-India air staff talks held on November 19 in New Delhi.

 

Welcoming the agreement, the Royal Australian Air Force's Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Reynolds, noted the growing defence relationship between the two nations.

 

"India is a top-tier security partner for Australia, and through our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership we are continuing to prioritise practical and tangible cooperation that directly contributes to Indo-Pacific stability," Reynolds said.

 

He added that the air-to-air refuelling capability would enhance the interoperability of both nations’ armed forces, allowing them to cooperate more effectively in diverse scenarios.

 

The RAAF also conducts training and engagement activities with the Indian Navy, particularly with the P-8I Neptune surveillance aircraft.

 

During his meeting with Conroy, Singh highlighted that the India-Australia partnership is rooted in shared interests, particularly in the Indian Ocean.

 

He also expressed satisfaction with the "significant milestones" in defence engagement in recent years, stressing the untapped potential for Indian and Australian defence industries to collaborate on niche areas.