India-Australia give new dimension to defense relations, will also increase cooperation in security and technology sectors

India and Australia have agreed to strengthen defense, maritime security, and technological cooperation, while also announcing a joint declaration on defense and security cooperation and several new initiatives in areas such as security, trade, energy, education, and key technologies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a visit to Australia, participated in the third annual leaders' summit with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne on Thursday. The decisions were made after the meeting.

During the summit, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership amidst the evolving regional and global security landscape. The two leaders announced the initiation of annual defense minister talks to strengthen strategic consultation.

They also announced a new roadmap to enhance maritime security cooperation through information sharing, capacity building, resource development, and operational coordination. The two sides welcomed the memorandum of understanding between the Australian Maritime Border Command and the Indian Coast Guard.

They stated that cooperation in the defense industry, military education, research, and innovation will be increased. This will include the development of an innovative framework to connect the governments, industries, and research institutions of both countries.

In the economic sector, India and Australia welcomed the growing bilateral trade under the economic cooperation and trade agreement, reaffirming their commitment to finalize a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement soon. The two countries agreed to increase investment, reduce non-tariff barriers, and enhance cooperation in manufacturing, critical minerals, and secure supply chains.

During the summit, the launch of the Australia-India Cyber, Critical Technology, and Supply Chain Partnership was announced to strengthen cybersecurity, critical technologies, and supply chain resilience. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding on technology and innovation partnership was signed between Australia, Canada, and India.

In the energy sector, the two countries issued a joint energy security statement, committing to enhance cooperation in renewable energy, electrification, and energy security. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to addressing climate change under the Paris Agreement and emphasized the need for climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building for developing countries.

Australia reiterated its support for India's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group. The two countries finalized arrangements to facilitate the long-term export of Australian uranium to India for peaceful purposes under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The two countries also agreed to enhance cooperation in the space sector, with Australia to continue its support for India's Gaganyaan human space mission, including the establishment of a temporary space tracking center on the Cocos Islands.

In the education sector, the two leaders welcomed the establishment of new campuses of Australian universities in India. Flinders University has been approved to establish a campus in Bangalore, and Victoria University has been approved to establish a campus in Gurgaon. An agreement was also reached to establish a National Center of Excellence for mining skills in Odisha.

The leaders' summit endorsed the India-Australia sports cooperation roadmap, considering the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. The two countries welcomed progress on the return of cultural heritage and ancestral remains.

On regional and global issues, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to an open, free, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. They supported unimpeded access to sea lanes under international law and opposed attempts to unilaterally change the regional status quo.

The two countries agreed to strengthen the Quad, the central role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Indian Ocean Regional Cooperation.

Expressing concern over the increasing tensions in West Asia, the two leaders appealed to all parties to exercise restraint, seek solutions through dialogue, and respect international law. The two leaders also discussed the Ukraine war and the situation in Myanmar.

The two prime ministers strongly condemned all forms of terrorism, agreeing to share intelligence and enhance cooperation to combat terrorism, extremism, terrorist financing, and threats to critical infrastructure. They again condemned the terrorist attacks in Pehlgam and Bandipora.

Australia reiterated its support for India's permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council. The two countries also confirmed their support for each other's candidatures for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for 2028-29 and 2029-30.