India and Australia have agreed to expand defence cooperation, including welcoming additional Indian students at the Australian Defence College in 2026 and introducing a position for Indian cadets at the Australian Defence Force Academy in 2027 for the first time.
The announcement came as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh concluded talks with his Australian counterpart Richard Marles in Canberra last week.
Singh, who was on a two-day visit to Australia, described the meeting as “productive” and said,
“We reviewed the full spectrum of India-Australia defence cooperation, including defence industry, cyber defence, maritime security and regional challenges.”
Singh added that both sides reaffirmed the importance of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The new openings for Indian cadets at Australia’s premier defence institutions are seen as a step to further strengthen strategic and training ties between the two nations.
The expansion follows the successful Cadet Exchange Program between India’s Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun and Australia’s Royal Military College, Duntroon.
IMA cadets recently completed an intensive training schedule at Duntroon, taking on obstacle courses, field exercises, tactical simulations, leadership workshops, and ceremonial drills. The program fostered resilience, adaptability, and leadership while reflecting on the shared history and sacrifices of Indian and Australian soldiers during the World Wars.
Earlier in September, the exchange continued in India, with RMC Duntroon cadets and staff training at the IMA. The programme emphasised physical training, weapons handling, tactical drills, and teamwork, reinforcing trust and camaraderie between the two armed forces.
The education and training initiatives build on years of bilateral military collaboration, including joint naval exercises such as AUSINDEX and Exercise Malabar, and coordinated patrols in the Indian Ocean. Defence analysts say these programs enhance soft-power ties, strengthen institutional linkages, and prepare future military leaders from both nations for the challenges of a secure and resilient Indo-Pacific.
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