India and Australia today decided to bolster defence ties. Defence Minister A K Antony, who is on a visit to Australia, today met his counterpart Stephen Smith in Canberra and
held wide-ranging talks on shared strategic and security interests, including maritime security and defence ties.

They acknowledged that maritime security and freedom of navigation is critical for the growth and prosperity of Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. Both countries agreed to continue ongoing bilateral Naval exchanges to build confidence and familiarity between their Navies.

Antony is the first ever Indian Defence Minister to visit Australia.