CUTS International-WDC hosted a high-level forum in New Delhi on Feb 21, 2024, discussing evolving defence ties between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific. Chaired by Pradeep Mehta, it featured key speakers like Justin Bassi, Executive Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and Ambassador Anil Wadhwa, emphasising the need to revive collaboration, particularly through the dormant Joint Working Group. Discussions stressed maritime cooperation's role in countering China's influence, highlighting Australia and India as vital players in ensuring a secure Indo-Pacific region within the QUAD framework.

The session featured a fireside chat with Giridhar Aramane, Defence Secretary of India, and ADM John C Aquillino, INDOPACOM Commander, USA. The leaders highlighted deepening U.S.-India defence cooperation, focusing on real-time information sharing and situational awareness. They identified common threats in the Indo-Pacific, emphasising the need for timely, innovative defense acquisitions. Private sector collaboration, common platforms, and intelligence sharing were recognised as crucial for regional stability and a rules-based Indo-Pacific.