India-Australia joint declaration focuses on Indo-Pacific, terrorist threats, world free of nuclear weapons — Top points

Published 9 July 2026 · india

India and Australia released a Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation on Thursday, laying special emphasis on “open, peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.” Here

India and Australia released a Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation on Thursday, laying special emphasis on “open, peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.” Here are key takeaways from the India-Australia declaration: 1. The two countries reaffirmed the vitality of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), established in 2020. “Since the launch of our CSP, our strategic convergence has accelerated, our economic ties have deepened and the connections between our peoples – the living bridge between our nations – have grown stronger,” it read. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What are the key points of the India-Australia Joint Declaration on Defence and Security? ⌵ The key points include reaffirming the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, emphasizing a stable Indo-Pacific, enhancing defence cooperation, and addressing regional security challenges. 2 Why is the India-Australia partnership important for the Indo-Pacific region? ⌵ The partnership is vital for promoting a peaceful, rules-based Indo-Pacific, addressing threats to regional stability, and enhancing economic cooperation in the face of global uncertainties. 3 How will India and Australia enhance their maritime security cooperation? ⌵ India and Australia will enhance maritime security through a collaborative roadmap, increasing the complexity of defence exercises, and boosting information sharing to address challenges in the maritime domain. 4 What steps are India and Australia taking to counter terrorist threats? ⌵ They are committing to increasing information sharing on regional terrorist threats and enhancing collaboration to combat violent extremism across sectors like technology and critical infrastructure. 5 What impact does the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) have on bilateral trade? ⌵ The ECTA has reduced tariffs, facilitating faster trade between India and Australia, which has significantly boosted exports from India to Australia since its implementation. 2. In their declaration, India and Australia raised concern over “geostrategic uncertainty, and threats to regional peace and stability.” They encouraged all parties to work together peacefully and called for the resolution of disputes without the threat or use of force or coercion and in accordance with international law.

Also Read | PM Modi leaves for Australia after concluding 3-day Indonesia visit 3. India and Australia also reaffirmed “unwavering commitment to an open, peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region underpinned by: a rules-based architecture based on adherence to international law; respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity; an open, stable and secure maritime domain underpinned by adherence to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) including freedom of navigation and overflight; and effective, inclusive and transparent institutions.” 4. The declaration further read, “We reaffirm our support for the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), ASEAN and ASEAN-centred regional architecture, and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) as the premier forums for addressing challenges in these regions.” 5. The declaration says that India and Australia recognise that their “partnership must evolve to meet changing strategic circumstances, and commit to an acceleration in our advanced, integrated, and top-tier defence and security partnership.” “We will continue to strengthen strategic exchanges and conduct regular ministerial engagement that reflects the convergence of our strategic interests. We recognise a long-term vision of defence and security collaboration to enhance collective strength,” the declaration read. “This collaboration will contribute to both countries’ security and make an important contribution to regional peace and security,” it added. Also Read | Despite West Asia disruptions, Indians keep flying abroad 6. The India-Australia joint declaration said, “We commit to strengthening our comprehensive defence cooperation, deepening strategic dialogue and intensifying cooperation, including by a. undertaking to consult on defence-related developments in the Indo-Pacific that affect shared interests; b. increasing the complexity of our defence exercises, including with partners; c. accelerating efforts to build interoperability and information sharing between defence forces; d. expanding aircraft deployments from each other’s territories; e. deepening connections between defence force personnel, including through exchanges, education and training, and liaison roles; and f.