India, Australia unveil new defence declaration to deepen Indo-Pacific cooperation

India and Australia on Thursday (July 9, 2026) adopted a new Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, committing to significantly deepen military engagement, strengthen defence industrial collaboration and expand maritime security cooperation amid growing geostrategic uncertainty in the Indo-Pacific.

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The declaration, adopted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, outlines an ambitious roadmap to elevate defence ties through closer strategic consultations, enhanced interoperability between the armed forces, expanded military exercises and greater collaboration in defence science, technology and industrial supply chains.

In a statement released by the office of the Australian Prime Minister, it was mentioned that under the declaration, the two sides agreed to hold regular consultations on defence-related developments in the Indo-Pacific affecting their shared interests, increase the complexity of bilateral and multilateral military exercises, accelerate efforts to improve interoperability and information sharing between their armed forces, and expand aircraft deployments from each other’s territories.

The agreement also envisages deeper personnel exchanges through education, training and liaison appointments, while exploring opportunities to cooperate in recruiting skilled personnel for their respective defence workforces.

Recognising the strategic importance of the maritime domain, India and Australia agreed to enhance the depth, sophistication and frequency of maritime security cooperation. The two countries will implement an India-Australia Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap to strengthen coordination across the Indian Ocean and the wider Indo-Pacific.

The declaration also places significant emphasis on defence industry cooperation. Both sides committed to encouraging greater integration between their defence industries, building resilient supply chains and expanding collaboration in defence innovation, advanced science and technology.

The leaders noted that the new declaration builds upon the India-Australia Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation signed in 2009 and complements existing institutional mechanisms, including the Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue, the 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue, and the Defence Ministers’ Dialogue.

Expressing concern over growing geostrategic uncertainty and threats to regional peace and stability, India and Australia called for disputes to be resolved peacefully, without the threat or use of force or coercion, and in accordance with international law.

The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific underpinned by international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and adherence to the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), including freedom of navigation and overflight.

They also reiterated support for regional institutions, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), ASEAN-led regional architecture and the Pacific Islands Forum, describing them as key platforms for addressing regional challenges.