Building on this progress, de Silva underlined the broader strategic objective of ensuring secure and diversified supply chains. The partnership on critical minerals came at a time when India and Australia were also widening cooperation in other strategic sectors, particularly defence. The agreement, announced by Australia's Department of Defence, was set to boost defence ties in the area of undersea surveillance technologies. The timing of the announcement underlined how both sides were pushing forward cooperation in defence technology alongside strengthening their strategic partnership. EAM Jaishankar, in his remarks, underscored that their meeting also marked the 5th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of India and Australia.