India, Australia Strengthen Counter-Terrorism Cooperation with New Defence and Security Pact

Canberra, July 2026 : India and Australia on Thursday significantly expanded their strategic partnership by agreeing to strengthen cooperation against terrorism and violent extremism, deepen intelligence sharing on regional security threats, and enhance collaboration across defence, humanitarian assistance and Indo-Pacific security under a new Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation.

The declaration, issued following the Annual Leaders’ Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, underscores the growing strategic convergence between the two Indo-Pacific partners amid evolving regional and global security challenges.

As part of the agreement, both countries committed to increasing the exchange of intelligence on terrorist organisations, networks and individuals operating in the region. The two sides also agreed to work more closely to combat violent extremism by addressing emerging security threats in areas such as advanced technologies, terror financing, maritime security, protection of critical infrastructure, security of crowded public spaces and online radicalisation.

The joint declaration highlighted the importance of adapting counter-terrorism strategies to tackle evolving challenges posed by technological advancements and the increasing use of digital platforms by extremist groups.

India and Australia also reaffirmed their shared commitment to global peace and security by reiterating support for a world free of nuclear weapons. Both countries stressed the importance of nuclear non-proliferation and called for universal, non-discriminatory and verifiable nuclear disarmament through international cooperation.

The two nations agreed to deepen engagement with like-minded partners across the Indo-Pacific, particularly through trilateral and multilateral mechanisms. They pledged to strengthen cooperation with the United States and Japan to promote a free, open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region based on international law and shared democratic values.

The declaration also reaffirmed support for regional initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and regional resilience.

Recognising the growing frequency of natural disasters in the region, India and Australia agreed to expand collaboration in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). The two countries will enhance information sharing, facilitate exchanges between experts and conduct more joint disaster response exercises, including participation in the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network, which supports coordinated civilian responses during major natural disasters.

The agreement also includes provisions for exploring joint contingency planning and coordinated disaster response mechanisms, enabling both countries to work together during humanitarian emergencies, including evacuation operations in third countries when required.

Reaffirming their commitment to a rules-based international order, India and Australia emphasised that the Indo-Pacific must remain free, open, peaceful and secure. Both sides reiterated their support for respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, adherence to international law and freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The declaration stressed the importance of maintaining a secure maritime environment and strengthening inclusive regional institutions to address common security challenges.

India and Australia also reaffirmed their support for key regional organisations, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its central role in the regional architecture, as well as the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), recognising them as vital platforms for promoting regional peace, stability and sustainable development.

The comprehensive defence and security declaration marks another milestone in the rapidly expanding India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting both countries’ shared determination to enhance regional security, strengthen resilience against emerging threats and contribute to long-term stability across the Indo-Pacific.