India, Australia strengthen defence ties as China asserts dominance in Indo-Pacific

India, Australia strengthen defence ties as China asserts dominance in Indo-Pacific In order to strengthen the crucial strategic partnership with India, Australia's deputy prime minister and defence minister, Richard Marles, co-chaired the second India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi. During the meeting, the defence ministers of the two countries discussed the progress of this pivotal relationship since the first such dialogue was held in Australia in October last year. Both nations have termed this relationship a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.Building on the 2020 logistics support arrangement, the two countries agreed to enhance procedural interoperability and continue reciprocal aircraft deployments. The ministers discussed maritime security cooperation, including finalising a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap, expanding maritime domain awareness through patrol aircraft, and enhancing undersea surveillance. They also encouraged closer ties between the Indian Coast Guard and Australia's Maritime Border Command.As co-leads of the IORA Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security, the two sides will jointly host a search-and-rescue and tabletop exercise at Chennai's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in June 2026. End of Article