Australian and Indian defense ministers signed a new bilateral security agreement Thursday aimed at strengthening Indo-Pacific stability.

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh became the first from his country to visit Australia since 2013, meeting his counterpart Richard Marles to formalize the deal.

The agreement establishes a forum for joint staff talks and submarine rescue cooperation, reflecting growing defense ties, highlighted by India’s first participation in the Talisman Sabre military exercises in July.

Analysts note the pact allows India to balance strategic relations with the U.S. while addressing security concerns about China, leveraging multilateral partnerships like the Quad, the Associated Press has reported.

The move complements Australia’s broader regional security efforts, including a recent defense treaty with Papua New Guinea, its only alliance-level pact besides ANZUS.