Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: Australia’s new National Defence Strategy (NDS) highlights India as a top-tier security partner, emphasizing the importance of its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in contributing to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The strategy aims to deepen defence cooperation with India through practical initiatives and information sharing.
- Australia plans to allocate $330 billion to its Integrated Investment Programme (IIP) over the next decade, indicating a commitment to enhancing defence capabilities.
- This investment is expected to raise defence spending to around 2.4% of Gross Domestic Product by 2033-34.
India and Australia are also finalizing agreements for cooperation in hydrography and air-to-air refuelling, further enhancing their strategic partnership.
