New Delhi, March 17 (HS): During the defence policy talks held in New Delhi on Monday, India and Australia focused on cooperation in maritime domain awareness, mutual information sharing, and collaboration in the defense industry and science and technology. Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, led the Indian delegation. Bernard Philip, First Assistant Secretary of the International Policy Division of the Australian Department of Defense, participated in the discussion.

In the ninth edition of the defense policy talks, both officials welcomed the ongoing progress in bilateral defence cooperation, including the increasing frequency and complexity of joint defence exercises and exchanges. The meeting discussed several achievements achieved for the first time, the finalization of key agreements, and discussions on each other’s major defense trade exhibitions. The defense outcomes of the 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers conference in November 2023, the inter-sessional 2+2 consultations at the Secretary level in October 2024, and the second annual summit of top leaders in November 2024 were reviewed during the meeting.

The discussions focused on maritime regional awareness, mutual information sharing, collaboration in the defence industry and science and technology, and cooperation through exercises and exchanges related to each other's deployments. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern. The meeting emphasized that India and Australia are committed to working together to promote a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Both sides agreed on priorities and preparations for the 2+2 ministerial talks in Australia this year. They reiterated their commitment to developing a long-term perspective on defence and security cooperation between the two countries. The Prime Ministers of both countries envisioned enhancing collective power, supporting each other's security, and making significant contributions to regional peace and stability. They also discussed the prospects for cooperation in the defence industry and called on the relevant agencies from both sides to enhance collaboration in defence science and technology.

Both officials also agreed to further expand cooperation and engagement in maritime, land, and air domains, including working with multilateral partners. Over the past few years, India and Australia have emerged as significant pillars of a comprehensive strategic partnership in the defence sector. The eighth edition of the defence policy talks was held in 2023 in this direction. The Australian delegation will also visit Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai. Australian officials will meet Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on March 18.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar