India-Australia Defense Cooperation Agreement

India-Australia Joint Declaration on Defense and Security Cooperation

Key Highlights:

1. Bilateral Relations:

   • Strengthening strategic partnership inspired by close bilateral relations.
   • Affirmation of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) established in 2020.
   • Enhanced strategic integration and deeper economic ties since CSP inception.

2. Regional Cooperation:

   • Commitment to a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
   • Support for regional platforms like the Quad, ASEAN, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for addressing regional challenges.

3. Defense and Security Cooperation:

   • Significant progress since the 2009 Joint Declaration on India-Australia Security Cooperation.
   • Continued strategic dialogue through various bilateral mechanisms (Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue, 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue).

4. Geopolitical Concerns:

   • Expression of concern over geopolitical uncertainties and threats to regional peace and stability.
   • Encouragement for peaceful conflict resolution in accordance with international law.

5. Maritime Security:

   • Recognition of the importance of maritime domain for national interests.
   • Commitment to enhance maritime security cooperation through a roadmap.

6. Defense Industry Collaboration:

   • Focus on integrating and enhancing the capability of defense industries of both nations.
   • Commitment to advanced defense science and technology cooperation.

7. Women’s Participation in Peacekeeping:

   • Promotion of meaningful participation and leadership of women in peacekeeping and conflict resolution efforts.

8. Economic Cooperation:

   • Commitment to support regional economic prosperity through bilateral cooperation.
   • Development of resilient supply chains for critical minerals and clean energy technologies.

9. Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies:

   • Cooperation under the Australia-India PACTS for cybersecurity and information sharing.
   • Strengthening collaboration on critical and emerging technologies.

10. Counter-Terrorism Efforts:

    • Enhanced cooperation to combat violent extremism and terrorism through various sectors including technology and financing.
    • Commitment to share information on terrorist threats.

11. Migration and Mobility Partnership:

    • Continued collaboration under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement signed in 2023 focusing on irregular migration and human trafficking.

12. Nuclear Disarmament:

    • Reaffirmation of commitment to a peaceful world free of nuclear weapons and support for global nuclear disarmament initiatives.

13. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR):

    • Commitment to deepen cooperation in HADR, including joint disaster risk management practices.

14. Implementation of the Agenda:

    • Commitment to implement the ambitious agenda in support of a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region.

This declaration reflects a comprehensive approach to defense and security cooperation between India and Australia, emphasizing the need for collaboration in various sectors to ensure regional stability and prosperity.