India and Australia have reviewed the bilateral defence cooperation and explored new initiatives to further strengthen and deepen bilateral defence engagements. During the 8th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks held at Canberra in Australia, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership based on mutual trust and understanding, common interests and shared values of democracy and the rule of law. 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.
   
The discussions also focused on identifying ways to strengthen partnerships in co-development and co-production of defence equipment. India highlighted the potential of the Indian defence industry with capacity and capability to cooperate with Australian Armed forces in its shipbuilding and maintenance plans. India and Australia’s partnership is based on a shared vision of a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.