New Delhi, Oct 9 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles today held extensive discussions reviewing the full spectrum of India-Australia defence cooperation, covering areas such as the defence industry, cyber defence, maritime security and regional challenges.
Both leaders reaffirmed the significance of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
In a series of posts on X, Rajnath Singh highlighted the rapid growth of India’s defence industry and its emergence as a credible global source of high-quality defence technology.
The talks explored opportunities to deepen defence industry partnerships between India and Australia, aiming to foster stronger collaboration and innovation.
The Defence Minister is on a two-day official visit to Australia from October 8 to 9.
Expressing gratitude towards Australia’s steadfast support in addressing cross-border terrorism and maintaining regional stability, Rajnath Singh said, “I thank Australia for its steadfast support on cross-border terrorism & shared regional stability. Together, we will deepen cooperation for a free, open, and resilient IndoPacific”.
During his visit, the Defence Minister had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, in Canberra. The Prime Minister fondly recalled his deep association with India, and Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that the bilateral relationship between India and Australia will continue to grow stronger and more robust.
On arrival at Canberra’s Royal Australian Air Force Base, Rajnath Singh was received by Peter Khalil, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Defence.
He later witnessed an air-to-air refuelling operation of the F-35 aircraft while travelling from Sydney to Canberra onboard the KC-30A multirole tanker transport aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force.
In 2024, India and Australia signed an agreement enabling air-to-air refuelling cooperation between the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Indian Armed Forces.
This visit underscores the growing defence partnership between India and Australia, reaffirming their shared commitment to regional peace, security, and prosperity.
The visit comes at a historic moment when India and Australia commemorate five years of establishment of India Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). This will also mark the first-ever visit of a Defence Minister to Australia under this government, since 2014.
India and Australia elevated their bilateral relationship from a Strategic Partnership in 2009 to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2020. The two nations share a deep bond rooted in common values- pluralistic, Westminster-style democracies, Commonwealth traditions, growing economic engagement, and increasing high-level interactions. Long-standing people-to-people connections, the presence of Indian students in Australian universities as well as robust tourism and sporting ties, have further strengthened the enduring partnership between the two countries.
