Rajnath Singh and Richard Marles Discuss Boosting India-Australia Defence Cooperation in Indo-Pacific Framework

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Sydney on Wednesday for a two-day official visit to Australia, marking the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister since 2013.

The visit, at the invitation of Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, coincides with the five-year milestone of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), underscoring growing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Bilateral Talks and Key Highlights

Following their meeting, Rajnath Singh tweeted, “Had a productive meeting with Australia’s Deputy PM & Defence Minister @RichardMarlesMP. We reviewed the full spectrum of India–Australia defence cooperation, including defence industry, cyber defence, maritime security, and regional challenges. We reaffirmed the importance of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”

Singh emphasised India’s rapid defence industrial growth and its emergence as a credible source of high-quality technology, adding, “Together, we will deepen cooperation for a free, open, and resilient Indo-Pacific.”

Deputy PM Richard Marles welcomed Singh, stating: “It’s a great pleasure to welcome Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Australia today, the first visit to Australia by an Indian Defence Minister since 2013. Defence and security cooperation is now one of the strongest pillars of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”

Marles highlighted milestones including:

• India’s inaugural participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025
• Signing of a new Air-to-Air Refuelling Implementing Arrangement
• Expansion of maritime security collaboration

New Defence Agreements

• India and Australia are set to sign three new bilateral arrangements to enhance cooperation in:
• Submarine rescue and support
• Information sharing and maritime domain collaboration
• Joint operational activities
• A joint staff talks forum will also be established to strengthen operational coordination.

Industry and Leadership Engagements

During the visit, Rajnath Singh will chair a business roundtable in Sydney with industry leaders from both nations and meet other senior Australian officials. The visit follows Marles’s trip to New Delhi earlier this year, where both leaders condemned terrorism and reaffirmed commitment to regional stability.

This visit represents a significant step forward in Indo-Australian defence cooperation, highlighting the partnership’s importance in maintaining peace, security, and strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific region.