India, Australia agree to work together to combat terrorism in all its forms

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh receives Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles in New Delhi, India, on June 4, 2025. | Photo Credit: AP

India and Australia, on Wednesday, at a bilateral meet marking the fifth anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, agreed to work together to combat terrorism in all its forms. Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, who holds the defence portfolio as well, also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi following a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

“Glad to meet Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Richard Marles. Had a productive discussion on deepening the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which marks its fifth anniversary today. Our shared vision for a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific continues to guide our collaboration,” said Mr. Modi through a post on X.

Earlier, Mr. Singh and Mr. Marles condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. During the meeting, Mr. Singh highlighted India’s right to respond in self-defence against cross-border terrorism, and described the actions taken against Pakistan as measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible.

“Reviewed the full range of the India-Australia defence partnership during the extremely fruitful meeting with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister @RichardMarlesMP in New Delhi...India thanks Australia for its unequivocal support to India’s resolute response against barbaric act of terror in Pahalgam,” said Mr. Singh via an X post after the meeting.

The two Ministers welcomed the signing of the Australia-India Joint Research Project and agreed to intensify and diversify defence industry collaboration. They deliberated on furthering the defence science and technology collaboration projects when they meet in Australia later this year for the third India-Australia 2+2 ministerial meeting. They also reviewed the progress made since the last 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held in November 2023.

“The discussions covered a wide range of issues such as defence strategic cooperation and security, including industry collaboration, cyber and new emerging technologies, counter-terrorism, hydrography and maritime security. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global security issues of mutual interest,” said a government statement. They expressed satisfaction over the growing strategic convergence between the two countries and agreed to work together towards a free and open Indian Ocean and Pacific Island region.

During the meeting, according to defence sources, India stressed that it did not make a distinction between terrorists and those harbouring them. A concern that any defence supplies to Pakistan could end up in the hands of terrorists was also conveyed to the Australian counterparts.

Apart from the main issue of strong action against terrorism, maritime cooperation was discussed. India, which is positioning itself as a regional hub for ship repair and maintenance, also made a pitch for joint production of naval platforms.

The Ministers laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and paid homage to the fallen heroes. The visiting dignitary was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a Tri-Services Guard of Honour prior to the dialogue at Manekshaw Centre.

Enhanced ties

The Australian High Commission also hosted a reception to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the event as the Guest of Honour.

According to the High Commission’s release, in the past five years, both sides have enhanced defence ties; signed the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement; transformed education ties with Australian universities welcoming nearly 1.40 lakh Indian students last year, and establishing the first foreign branch campuses in India; launched a Renewable Energy Partnership, under which Australian expertise will help deliver Mr. Modi’s vision to roll out one crore solar rooftops in India by 2030.

As part of the bilateral initiatives, the ninth edition of India-Australia Defence Policy Talks was held in Delhi on March 17, 2025. The meeting reviewed defence outcomes of the second Ministerial Foreign and Defence Ministers’ 2+2 in November 2023, inter-sessional 2+2 consultations at Secretary-level in October 2024 and the second Annual Leaders’ Summit in November 2024.

In February 2021, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Australian Space Agency signed an amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding to build on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the then Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in 2020.

Published - June 04, 2025 09:06 pm IST