The 8th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks (DPT) was held at Canberra in Australia, during which both sides reviewed the bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries and explored new initiatives to further strengthen and deepen engagements.
The talks were co-chaired by Special Secretary in Ministry of Defence Nivedita Shukla Verma, and Acting Deputy Secretary in Department of Defence, Australia, Steven Moore on July 24-25, Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Wednesday.
The discussions also focused on identifying ways to strengthen partnership in co-development and co-production of defence equipment. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The Indian side highlighted the potential of its defence industry with capacity and capability to cooperate with Australian Armed forces in its shipbuilding and maintenance plans.
India-Australia share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since June 2020 and defence is a key pillar of this partnership. India and Australia’s partnership is based on a shared vision of a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. The two democracies have a common interest in peace and prosperity of the entire region.
The two countries have two-plus-two (2+2) mechanism at the Ministerial level. The 8th DPT reviewed the outcomes of maiden 2+2 conducted in September 2021.
Both sides agreed for early finalisation of hydrography agreement and also exchanged views on geo-political situation, regional and global issues of shared interest.
Govt likely to introduce new income tax bill on Feb 6
After the revision in tax slabs in the Union Budget 2025-26 to leave 'enough money in the hands' of taxpayers, the government is likely to unveil the much-anticipated draft of the new Income Tax Bill on February 6.
10 TN fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy; mechanised boat seized
Ten fishermen from Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy in the early hours of Monday for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
Maha Kumbh: Spiritual leaders, devotees celebrate Basant Panchami with Amrit Snan
On the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj for the much-awaited Amrit Snan (holy bath), marking a significant spiritual milestone.
Delhi Assembly polls: Campaigning to end today; parties make final push
The high-voltage campaigning for the Delhi Assembly elections will come to an end at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, with all three major political parties, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, making their final efforts to woo voters.
Erode east bypoll: Campaign ends today, DMK confident of huge win
With the election campaign for the Erode East bypoll ending on Monday, the ruling DMK, which has taken over the seat from its coalition partner Congress, is confident of a massive victory.
Delhi’s air quality remains in ‘very poor’ category, IMD predicts cloudy weather
Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 313 on Monday at 6 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Ayodhya Ram Mandir chief priest Acharya Satyendra Das hospitalised
The Chief priest of Ram temple in Ayodhya, Acharya Satyendra Das, has been hospitalised following a sudden deterioration in health, sources said on Sunday. It has been learned that his condition is serious as he has been experiencing difficulty in breathing.
Eight Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur
Chhattisgarh Police on Sunday said that eight Maoists have been killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, were senior cadres carried a cumulative reward of Rs 16 lakh.