10th India–Australia Defence Policy Talks held in New Delhi
On 8 May 2026 the 10th India–Australia Defence Policy Talks were held in New Delhi, co-chaired by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad and Australia's First Assistant Secretary Bernard Philip, with both sides looking ahead to the first India–Australia Joint Staff Talks later this year.
Summary
The 10th edition of the India–Australia Defence Policy Talks took place in New Delhi on 8 May 2026, with the Indian delegation led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad and the Australian side by Bernard Philip, First Assistant Secretary, International Policy. The talks reaffirmed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and noted that the annual India–Australia Defence Ministers' Dialogue, set up in 2025, has deepened consultation. Both sides looked forward to the first India–Australia Joint Staff Talks later in 2026 and reviewed outcomes of the 2024 Annual Leaders' Summit, including renewing the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation and a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap.
Key facts
- Talks
- 10th India–Australia Defence Policy Talks, New Delhi, 8 May 2026
- Co-chairs
- JS Amitabh Prasad (India); FAS Bernard Philip (Australia)
- Partnership
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
- Since 2025
- Annual Defence Ministers' Dialogue
- Next
- First India–Australia Joint Staff Talks later in 2026
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Which edition of the India–Australia Defence Policy Talks was held in New Delhi on 8 May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 10th
The 10th edition of the India–Australia Defence Policy Talks was held in New Delhi on 8 May 2026.
Consider the following statements about the India–Australia Defence Policy Talks of May 2026: 1. The Indian delegation was led by the Defence Secretary. 2. The first India–Australia Joint Staff Talks were held alongside the Defence Policy Talks in New Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. The Indian side was led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad, and both sides only looked forward to holding the first Joint Staff Talks later in the year.