India and Australia have taken a big step in their defence partnership by signing an agreement that allows the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Indian Armed Forces to refuel each other's aircraft during flights.

According to an official release, this agreement opens a new chapter in advancing both countries' operational capabilities and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific area. The agreement was made during bilateral talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australia's Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Minister Pat Conroy on Thursday during the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting in Vientiane, Laos. The agreement expands the scope of combined operations between the Indian Armed Forces and the RAAF by enabling the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport to refuel Indian Armed Forces aircraft. 

The agreement was signed during the Australia-India Air Staff Talks in New Delhi on November 19, by Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Reynolds, Australia's Deputy Chief of Air Force. He reinforced the importance of this crucial deal, mentioning, "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. This arrangement strengthens our interoperability, enabling more effective collaboration across a range of scenarios." This collaboration is bound to strengthen trust, understanding, and operational synergy. 

India's operational reach and persistence in the Indo-Pacific region are enhanced by the KC-30A's capacity to refuel Indian aircraft, including possibly the Navy's P-8I Neptune observation aircraft, the statement added. The two countries' expanding defence connections are further demonstrated by the RAAF's ongoing cooperation with the Indian Navy, which includes training and engagement exercises.