In what comes as a move that is likely to enhance the reach of the Indian military in the Indo-Pacific region, India and Australia have arrived at an agreement to enable the air forces of the two countries to carry out air-to-air refuelling.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Australian counterpart Pat Conroy MP announced the arrangement at a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of a regional security conclave in Vientiane.
Under the arrangement, the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) air-to-air refuelling aircraft—the KC-30A multi-role tanker transport—will be able to refuel Indian military planes.
The defence ministry said an implementing arrangement on air-to-air refuelling was exchanged between India and Australia, which would strengthen the interoperability between the air forces of the two countries, marking a significant step forward in bilateral relationships.
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Both sides agreed to take defence engagements to the next level by cooperating bilaterally as well as in the regional context.
Welcoming the arrangement, Royal Australian Air Force's Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Reynolds, said it strengthens the defence relationship between Australia and India. "India is a top-tier security partner for Australia, and through our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership we are continuing to prioritise practical and tangible cooperation that directly contributes to Indo-Pacific stability," Reynolds said.
"The ability to conduct air-to-air refuelling with the Indian armed forces elevates our interoperability besides enabling us to cooperate more effectively in a range of different scenarios," he added.
Reynolds also called the arrangement a significant step forward as it will provide valuable opportunities to both sides to work closely and build trust and understanding.
The RAAF also conducts training and engagement activities with the P-8I Neptune surveillance aircraft of the Indian Navy.