India, Australia Adopt New Defence Pact to Deepen Strategic Partnership in Indo-Pacific
India and Australia adopted a new Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation on July 9, 2026, to deepen military engagement, expand defence industry collaboration and enhance maritime security ties. PM Modi also promoted India as an investment destination for Australian businesses and urged early completion of the bilateral economic agreement.
The declaration was adopted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to further elevate bilateral defence relations through increased strategic consultations, improved coordination between the armed forces, expanded military exercises and deeper cooperation in defence science, technology and industrial supply chains.
The agreement reflects the growing focus of both countries on building stronger security cooperation and improving operational coordination in response to evolving geopolitical uncertainties. It aims to strengthen long-term defence engagement by promoting closer institutional partnerships and broader collaboration across key defence sectors.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India as a long-term investment destination for Australian businesses and called for the early conclusion of the proposed bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.
PM Modi made the remarks at the Australia-India CEOs Forum and the Economic Roadmap Business event in Melbourne, which he jointly addressed with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The latest defence and economic initiatives underline the expanding partnership between India and Australia, with both nations seeking to strengthen strategic, industrial and commercial cooperation while advancing shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

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