India, Australia Pledge To Strengthen Defense Ties

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged defense ties of both countries on Friday.

On Friday, Modi said at a joint press briefing; "Security cooperation is an important pillar in the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Australia."

Albanese added that significant and ambitious progress had been made in defense ties with India.

"We discussed the increasingly uncertain global security environment and committed to strengthening the Australia-India defense and security partnership."

Albanese's four-day visit to India included a reception aboard the INS Vikrant, India's first homemade aircraft carrier, where he announced new joint military drills.

Friday's meeting came a day after the leaders watched the opening of the fourth cricket Test together in Modi's home state of Gujarat.

Albanese will fly out of New Delhi on Saturday morning and will host Modi in Australia for the next Quad leaders meeting in May.