India, Australia tie up for naval tech to detect underwater threats

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Australia’s Defence Science & Technology Group are collaborating on naval sensors to detect underwater threats, while discussions are progressing in areas such as quantum technology, artificial intelligence (Al), cybersecurity, information warfare, and other advanced science and technology domains, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday.

- BHASWAR KUMAR

He was addressing the inaugural India~ Australia Defence Industry Business Round Table in Sydney on the concluding day of his two-day official visit to Australia.

Singh also welcomed Australia’s proposal for a reciprocal provision of defence articles and services memorandum of understanding, which would facilitate the exchange of supplies and services between the two countries’ defence forces. “We welcome this initiative. Importantly, Australia has identified India as a top-tier partner, removing certain regulatory barriers to enable easier technology sharing. This is a testament to the trust and confidence that bind us,” he added.

Addressing the round table, Singh invited Australian companies to co-