Overview

• India and Australia signed key defence agreements, including a staff-talks arrangement that Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles called a hugely significant step for operational engagement and information sharing.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh witnessed an F-35 air-to-air refuelling while aboard a Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A en route from Sydney to Canberra.
• Singh met Richard Marles at Parliament House for comprehensive talks on defence industry, cyber defence, maritime security and regional challenges, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined the discussions.
• Both sides are preparing a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration roadmap and are considering renewal of the 2009 Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation.
• Singh highlighted India’s expanding defence-tech capacity and prospects for deeper industry partnerships, and he was welcomed with a traditional ‘Welcome to Country’ smoke ceremony at Parliament House.