India-Australia defence dialogue 2026: maritime security, UNCLOS and joint roadmap

Direct fact

On June 1, 2026, India and Australia held the second India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, with Rajnath Singh and Richard Marles focusing on maritime security and defence cooperation.

Key specifics

• The dialogue was co-chaired by Rajnath Singh and Richard Marles at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.
• It was the second Defence Ministers’ Dialogue, following the inaugural meeting in October 2025.
• Both sides discussed a renewed Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation and a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap.
• The ministers reiterated support for UNCLOS, freedom of navigation, overflight and lawful maritime activities in the Indo-Pacific.
• India and Australia also agreed to begin work on an MoU on the Provision of Defence Articles and Defence Services.

Exam lens

Question type: International relations and defence match-the-following, with Rajnath Singh, Richard Marles, UNCLOS, Manekshaw Centre and the 2025-26 dialogue sequence as TNPSC-ready facts.