Rajnath Singh to Hold High-Level Defence Talks in Australia to Boost Indo-Pacific Cooperation

Canberra, Oct 2025 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to hold high-level meetings with his Australian counterpart Richard Marles and other senior leaders in Canberra on Thursday to advance defence collaboration, enhance maritime security, and strengthen strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Singh arrived in Sydney on Wednesday for a two-day official visit to Australia at the invitation of Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles. Upon reaching Canberra, he was warmly received by Australia’s Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil, at the Royal Australian Air Force Base.

“Warmly received by Mr. Peter Khalil, Assistant Minister for Defence of Australia, on arrival at Canberra’s Royal Australian Air Force Base. Look forward to shortly holding a bilateral meeting with my friend Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Australia,” Singh posted on X (formerly Twitter).

This visit holds special significance as India and Australia mark the fifth anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) — a framework that has elevated bilateral ties across defence, economic, and regional security domains. It is also the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister to Australia under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government since 2014.

During his stay, Singh will engage in bilateral discussions with Marles, participate in a business roundtable in Sydney, and meet with other key Australian leaders. The roundtable will bring together industry leaders from both countries to explore opportunities for collaboration in defence production, technology exchange, and strategic manufacturing.

Before departing for Australia, Singh noted on X: “At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, I am visiting Australia to continue our dialogue and exchange views on areas of mutual interest. This visit comes at a historic moment as India and Australia commemorate five years of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Looking forward to further deepening our partnership.”

According to the Ministry of Defence, the visit will serve as a platform to launch new and meaningful initiatives aimed at further strengthening the bilateral defence relationship. “During the visit, three agreements are planned to be signed, which will enhance cooperation in the areas of information sharing, maritime domain awareness, and joint operational activities,” the ministry said in a statement.

The India-Australia defence partnership has expanded rapidly in recent years, encompassing engagements across all three services — the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The cooperation includes joint military exercises, ship visits, high-level dialogues, and training exchanges, in addition to collaborative efforts in maritime security and capacity building.

The Ministry noted that India and Australia have progressively elevated their bilateral relationship — from a Strategic Partnership in 2009 to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020 — underpinned by shared democratic values, Commonwealth traditions, and converging strategic interests in maintaining a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

“Long-standing people-to-people ties, the strong presence of Indian students in Australian universities, and growing tourism and sporting exchanges have further strengthened this enduring partnership,” the statement added.

Earlier in June this year, Marles had visited New Delhi, where he held bilateral talks with Singh. During that meeting, both ministers strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and extended condolences to the families of the victims. Singh reiterated India’s right to self-defence against cross-border terrorism, emphasizing that the country’s actions were “measured, proportionate, and responsible.” Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms.

Singh’s ongoing visit is expected to inject further momentum into the growing India-Australia strategic and defence relationship. Both nations are committed to ensuring regional stability, security, and a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific — a region central to global peace and prosperity.