Rajnath Singh (L) and Pat Conroy. (Photo: X/@rajnathsingh)
New Delhi: India and Australia have taken a major step in strengthening their defence ties by signing an agreement allowing mutual midair refuelling of military aircraft. This agreement, announced during 11th Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), on Thursday, in Vientiane, Laos, is expected to bolster operational reach and interoperability between the Indian Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force across the Indo-Pacific.
Under the pact, Australian KC-30A multirole tanker transport aircraft will provide refuelling support to Indian military jets, with reciprocal arrangements for RAAF aircraft using Indian facilities. This collaboration enhances both nations’ strategic flexibility, particularly in maritime security and power projection in the Indo-Pacific, a region increasingly pivotal in global geopolitics.
The agreement aligns with the comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP) established between India and Australia in 2020. The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, and his Australian counterpart, Pat Conroy, emphasized the importance of such initiatives during their bilateral meeting. Both nations also discussed deepening cooperation in other areas of military significance, like artificial intelligence, anti-drone warfare, and maritime domain awareness.
This agreement builds on a history of close defence ties. Recent joint exercises, including the AustraHind joint military drills and multilateral Malabar naval drill, have highlighted their growing military coordination. The midair refuelling pact is a practical step in enhancing operational capabilities, particularly in long-range missions.
The development reflects the broader goal of strengthening regional stability and cooperation amidst rising strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific. It showcases the commitment of both nations to a rules-based international order and robust defence collaboration.
