The 17th Indian Navy–Royal Australian Navy Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks were held in Sydney from 11 to 12 August 2026, reaffirming the growing maritime partnership between India and Australia and focusing on measures to further strengthen operational cooperation between the two navies.
The talks were co-chaired by Rear Admiral Sachin Reuben Sequeira, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Foreign Cooperation and Intelligence), Indian Navy, and Rear Admiral Christopher Smith, Commander Australian Fleet. The engagement provided a platform for senior naval officers from both countries to review ongoing cooperation and identify avenues for expanding maritime collaboration.
A key focus of the discussions was enhancing operational interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy. Both sides discussed ways to improve coordination and strengthen their ability to operate together effectively across a range of maritime contingencies.
The two navies also explored increasing the complexity of bilateral exercises. More demanding and realistic exercises can provide personnel with greater opportunities to refine procedures, improve coordination and develop a deeper understanding of each other’s operational practices.
Capability building and training formed another important area of discussion. The talks examined opportunities to expand cooperation in these fields, supporting the development of professional expertise and strengthening the operational capabilities of both maritime forces.
The latest engagement builds upon the strong and expanding India-Australia maritime partnership. Regular naval interactions, exercises and professional exchanges have contributed to greater mutual understanding and interoperability between the two forces.
The talks also come shortly after the Indian Air Force participated in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia, providing another avenue for strengthening defence cooperation and interoperability between the two countries. The continued engagement across the maritime and air domains reflects the broader depth of the India-Australia defence relationship.
The 17th Staff Talks reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Indian Navy and Royal Australian Navy towards developing a stronger, more capable and increasingly interoperable maritime partnership. The cooperation is expected to contribute to enhanced maritime security and greater operational coordination in the Indo-Pacific region.
