India and Australia held the ninth edition of the Defence Policy Talks in New Delhi on 17 March 2025, focusing on strengthening cooperation in maritime security, reciprocal information sharing, and collaboration in defence industry and technology.
The meeting was co-chaired by India’s Joint Secretary, Shri Amitabh Prasad, and Australia’s First Assistant Secretary, International Policy Division, Bernard Philip. Both sides welcomed the growing complexity of joint defence exercises, key agreements, and increased participation in each other’s defence trade expositions.
The discussions reviewed recent defence engagements, including the outcomes of the second Ministerial Foreign and Defence Ministers’ 2+2 Dialogue in November 2023, the inter-sessional 2+2 consultations in October 2024, and the Annual Leaders’ Summit in November 2024.
The focus remained on strengthening military cooperation, interoperability, and regional security initiatives.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a stable and peaceful Indo-Pacific, agreeing to enhance their collaboration in maritime domain awareness, defence technology, and joint exercises.
Preparations for the next 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, scheduled to be held in Australia in 2025, were also discussed.
India and Australia explored opportunities for deeper defence industry collaboration, urging their respective agencies to accelerate cooperation in defence science and technology.
They also emphasised the need for stronger interoperability across maritime, land, and air domains, including engagements with multilateral partners.
The Defence Policy Talks are an integral part of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with the defence sector emerging as a key pillar of bilateral ties. The previous edition of the talks was held in 2023.
As part of their visit, the Australian delegation will tour Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd in Mumbai. Bernard Philip will also meet India’s Defence Secretary, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, on 18 March 2025.
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