Key Points:
- Submarine rescue cooperation and intelligence-sharing agreements signed.
- Joint staff talks established to enhance coordination and military interoperability.
- Move seen as strengthening Indo-Pacific security amid regional strategic competition.
ISLAMABAD: India and Australia signed a series of defence agreements on Thursday, aimed at deepening military cooperation and enhancing security coordination in the Indo-Pacific region, according to a joint statement.
The joint statement, issued after a meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, signing of a series of defence agreements aimed at bolstering bilateral military cooperation and enhancing regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
Agreements include a submarine rescue cooperation pact, enabling the two navies to assist each other in emergencies involving disabled submarines.
Additionally, the countries agreed to establish Joint Staff Talks, facilitating regular strategic discussions between military leadership to coordinate operations, logistics, and training exercises.
Officials also highlighted plans for intelligence sharing, which involves exchanging information on maritime activity, potential threats, and regional developments to improve situational awareness. The agreements aim to enhance interoperability, enabling the armed forces of India and Australia to operate together more effectively during joint missions or exercises.
India offered Australian naval forces access to its shipyards for maintenance and repair of vessels operating in the Indian Ocean, reinforcing practical cooperation between the two countries.
The move aligns with broader regional initiatives, including the Quad alliance—India, Australia, Japan, and the United States—which seeks to maintain a stable, rules-based Indo-Pacific.
Observers noted that for Australia, closer ties with India help secure its maritime interests, while India benefits from diversified strategic partnerships and support for its naval reach.
Both governments described the agreements as “historic” and emphasised that they enhance readiness, mutual support, and regional stability in the face of evolving security challenges.
