Archive · 18 Jul 2026
India-Australia Defence Cooperation Expands Amid Growth
India and Australia are working together more closely in the defence sector.
India is good at making affordable weapons and has been selling them to many countries.
Australia sees this as a great opportunity to work with India, especially since they both want to strengthen their military capabilities.
They have made new agreements to work together on military exercises, technology, and even space tracking.
India has been exporting things like missiles, patrol boats, and submarines to countries like the Philippines, Armenia, and Myanmar.
They also have joint projects with other countries like South Korea, Spain, and the United States.
This cooperation is important for both countries to have stronger defence systems and to work together better in the future.
India's defence exports reached US$4 billion in 2023, showcasing rapid growth in its defence manufacturing sector.
Australia sees collaboration with India as a strategic opportunity to diversify partnerships and enhance defence capabilities.
The India-Australia Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation outlines plans for deeper military exercises, interoperability, and professional education.
Both countries have agreed to develop a Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap and expand cybersecurity cooperation under PACTS.
India has established joint ventures for defence production with South Korea, Spain, and the United States, highlighting its growing defence industrial capabilities.
- Who
- India and Australia
- What
- Expansion of defence cooperation and production
- When
- Recent developments, including during PM Modi's visit to Australia
- Where
- India and Australia, with mentions of Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Gujarat, and Telangana
- Why
- To diversify strategic partnerships and enhance defence capabilities
Pro-Defence Cooperation
Skeptical View
Strategic Partnerships
Pro-Defence Cooperation
India's affordable defence production offers strategic opportunities for Australia to diversify partnerships.
Skeptical View
Focus on domestic debates like AUKUS and China's military capabilities overshadows the significance of India-Australia defence cooperation.
- Defence Exports
- US$4 billion in 2023
- Key Exports
- Brahmos missiles, surface-to-air systems, patrol boats, Kilo-class submarine
- Major Markets
- United States, Philippines, Armenia, Vietnam, Myanmar
- Joint Ventures
- K9 Thunder (India-South Korea), C-295 (India-Spain), V-BAT drones (India-US)
- Defence Industrial Cooperation
- Advanced science and technology collaboration
- Space Tracking Terminal
- Commissioned on Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands
- Military Exercises
- Increased complexity and interoperability