Rajnath Singh Begins Key Defence Talks in Australia to Boost Indo-Pacific Cooperation

Canberra, October 9, 2025 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has arrived in Canberra for a high-level visit aimed at strengthening India-Australia defence cooperation and advancing shared interests across the Indo-Pacific. Singh was received at the Royal Australian Air Force Base by Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil, marking the start of his two-day official visit at the invitation of Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles. This visit, Singh’s first official trip to Australia as Defence Minister, coincides with the fifth anniversary of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), a milestone that underscores the growing depth and trust in bilateral relations. Upon his arrival, Singh expressed optimism about expanding cooperation between the two nations. “I look forward to calling on other national leaders of Australia and exploring new avenues of collaboration. This visit comes at a historic moment as India and Australia mark five years of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. I am confident our ties will continue to grow stronger,” he shared on X. Singh’s itinerary includes bilateral talks with Marles, a business roundtable in Sydney focused on enhancing defence industry collaboration, and meetings with other senior Australian leaders. The discussions are expected to focus on bolstering maritime security, expanding strategic engagement, and promoting joint initiatives that support peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the visit will see the signing of three key agreements designed to deepen cooperation in information sharing, maritime domain awareness, and joint operational activities. These accords are expected to further align the two nations’ efforts in ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. India and Australia’s defence partnership has grown significantly over the past decade, encompassing joint military exercises, ship visits, professional exchanges, and capacity-building programmes. The collaboration has evolved from a Strategic Partnership established in 2009 into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020, reflecting the broadening scope of engagement across security, economic, and technological fronts. Earlier this year, Defence Minister Richard Marles visited New Delhi, where both nations reaffirmed their shared commitment to counterterrorism and regional stability. The leaders jointly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and pledged closer cooperation to combat terrorism in all its forms. Singh also emphasized India’s right to self-defence while advocating for measured and responsible responses to cross-border threats. Rajnath Singh’s visit comes at a time when both India and Australia face evolving regional challenges, from maritime disputes to the need for resilient defence supply chains. The dialogue between the two countries is expected to inject renewed momentum into their strategic partnership, reinforcing a common vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. As both democracies continue to align their strategic priorities, Singh’s trip is seen as a reaffirmation of India and Australia’s shared values and growing partnership—a partnership anchored in trust, mutual respect, and a joint commitment to maintaining a secure and inclusive regional order. Rajnath Singh Strengthens India-Australia Defence Ties Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Canberra for his first official visit to Australia, marking a significant step in advancing India-Australia defence cooperation. Welcomed by Assistant Defence Minister Peter Khalil, Singh will hold key talks with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles to deepen collaboration on maritime security and Indo-Pacific stability. The visit coincides with the fifth anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, symbolizing growing trust between the two nations. Singh’s discussions and upcoming agreements aim to boost joint defence activities, information sharing, and industry ties, reinforcing a shared commitment to regional peace and a rules-based international order.