India and Australia signed 18 cooperation agreements on July 9, 2026, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia. The pacts cover nuclear energy, defence, trade, and other Indo-Pacific priorities.
Civil Nuclear Energy and Critical Minerals
For the first time in nearly 12 years, Australia will export uranium to India under a new civil nuclear energy agreement. The deal supports India’s clean energy goals. Both nations also launched the Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies, and Supply Chains to secure mineral supply chains and foster tech collaboration.
Defence and Maritime Security
A maritime security roadmap and joint defence declaration were among the key agreements. These aim to enhance long-term security, military interoperability, and joint hardware development. The Indian Coast Guard and Australia’s Maritime Border Command will also strengthen cooperation in law enforcement and border protection.
- Joint defence exercises and strategic coordination
- Shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance partnerships
- Deployment of an Indian military instructor to Australia’s Defence College (2028-29)
Economic and Educational Ties
Both countries committed to accelerating negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and a bilateral investment treaty. Australian universities will establish campuses in India, with Victoria University in Gurugram and Flinders University in Bengaluru.
The agreements align with their shared vision for a free and stable Indo-Pacific. Implementation of defence and economic frameworks will proceed, alongside expanded cooperation in renewable energy, climate action, and counterterrorism.
