New Delhi/Canberra, October 31 — India and Australia have agreed to step up military cooperation across new domains including amphibious operations and unmanned aircraft systems during the latest Army-to-Army Staff Talks held in Canberra from October 29 to 31, the Indian Army said on Thursday.
Officials from both sides reaffirmed their “shared commitment to regional peace and stability” and reviewed ways to strengthen coordination between the two armies. The Indian delegation also paid tribute at the Australian War Memorial and visited the Royal Military College, Duntroon.
The staff talks came soon after the 15th India-Australia Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter-Terrorism, held in Canberra from October 29 to 30. The two-day session was co-chaired by Vinod Bahade, Joint Secretary (Counter-Terrorism) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Gemma Huggins, Australia’s Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism.
In a post on X, Huggins said, “Australia and India remain committed partners in preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism across the Indo-Pacific and beyond. We valued the strong and ongoing collaboration demonstrated at the 15th annual Australia-India Counter-Terrorism Joint Working Group.”
Officials discussed emerging terrorism threats and emphasised closer cooperation in law enforcement, judicial coordination, and maritime security. Both sides condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, with Australia expressing “support and solidarity with India.”
Recognising the growing misuse of digital platforms by extremist groups, the two nations agreed to strengthen intelligence exchange and develop mechanisms to counter online radicalisation and the use of technology for terror activities.
The talks also reaffirmed cooperation in multilateral forums such as the UN, FATF, Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the QUAD framework.
During their visit, Indian officials also met representatives from Australia’s Federal Police Counter Terrorism Unit, National Emergency Management Agency, and Maritime Border Command, reviewing coordination at the Australian Watch Office and Crisis Centre.
Both countries agreed to hold the next Joint Working Group meeting in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date.
