New Delhi: In a significant step toward enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, Director General Defence Intelligence Agency (DG DIA), Lt General DS Rana, is set to embark on an official visit to Australia from March 19 to 21. This visit comes just days after the successful conclusion of the ninth edition of the India-Australia Defence Policy Talks held in New Delhi on March 17.
During his visit, he will engage in high-level discussions with senior Australian Defence officials, including the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Defence, Director General of National Intelligence (DGNI), Chief of Defence Intelligence, and the Chief of Joint Operations of the Australian Defence Forces (ADF).
The talks will focus on intelligence-sharing mechanisms, regional security cooperation, and new avenues for collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.
As part of the visit, Lt General DS Rana will visit the Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQ JOC) to understand Australiaโs operational framework and joint command structures. He will also meet with the Director of the Australian Geospatial Organisation (AGO), promoting cooperation in geospatial intelligence. Additionally, engagements at the Lowy Institute, a leading international policy think tank, will provide insights into strategic defence and security dynamics.
In a symbolic tribute to the strong defence ties between India and Australia, Lt General DS Rana will lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial and attend the Last Post Ceremony, honouring the sacrifices made by soldiers in service to the nation.
Defence Policy Talks Emphasize Key Priorities
The recent India-Australia Defence Policy Talks in New Delhi focused on key strategic priorities, including maritime domain awareness, reciprocal information sharing, and industry collaboration. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad, while the Australian side was represented by Mr Bernard Philip, First Assistant Secretary of the International Policy Division, Department of Defence Australia.
The discussions reviewed defence outcomes from the second Ministerial Foreign and Defence Ministersโ 2+2 Dialogue in November 2023, Secretary-level consultations in October 2024, and the Annual Leadersโ Summit in November 2024. Both sides committed to enhancing cooperation in defence science and technology, with a focus on accelerating industry partnerships and fostering greater interoperability across maritime, land, and air domains.
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region and discussed preparations for the upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue to be held in Australia later in 2025.
Defence Industry and Future Collaborations
Both nations explored deeper collaboration opportunities in the defence industry, calling for accelerated cooperation in defence science and technology. Enhanced interoperability and joint deployments were key priorities discussed during the talks.
As part of the strengthened ties, the Australian delegation will visit Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd in Mumbai, with Australian co-chair Mr Bernard Philip set to meet Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on March 18.
These developments mark significant progress in the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reinforcing both nationsโ commitment to regional peace and security.
