India and Australia have taken a substantial step to uplift defence and security cooperation to new heights. At the Army-to-Army Staff Talks held in Canberra, the two countries agreed on the joint development of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for naval, land, and air operations. A new strategy was also established to combat terrorism and extremism. Both countries recognized that emerging technologies and data systems are vital in defence and security.
At the talks in Canberra, which ran from October 29 to 31, Indian and Australian representatives discussed next-generation drones, surveillance technology, and maritime security networks. The Indian Army stated that the two nations agreed to enhance cooperation in drone systems, allowing human-free operations even in complex and dangerous missions. Australia has expressed its desire to participate in India's Make in India Defence Initiative, allowing both countries to develop lethal drone systems utilizing indigenous technology jointly.
Shared Strategy Against Terrorism and Radicalization
India and Australia have joined forces not only on defence but also on the security front. The 15th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on counter-terrorism between the two countries concluded in Canberra. Emerging terrorist threats, online radicalization, and the use of new technologies in terrorist networks were discussed in detail.
The meeting was chaired by Vinod Bahade, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, and Gemma Huggins, Australia's Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism. Both sides condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, in which several soldiers were martyred. Australia assured India of solidarity and support.
Focus: Responding to Terrorism with New Technology
At the meeting, both countries agreed that terrorist organizations are now abusing new technologies such as drones, encrypted apps, and cryptocurrencies. Therefore, real-time data sharing and intelligence sharing are needed to combat this threat. The MEA statement said, "Both sides highlighted the necessity for timely information sharing and concrete steps to counter the misappropriation of new technologies for terrorist purposes."
The Indo-Pacific Defence Network is Strengthening
Australia and India are already part of the Quad partnership, which also comprises the USA and Japan. At the meeting, both countries reiterated their commitment to combat terrorism jointly under multilateral platforms such as the UN, FATF, GCTF, and IORA. The Indian delegation paid tribute to the fallen at the Australian War Memorial and also visited the Royal Military College, Duntroon.
Source: News 18
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