India’s Rajnath Singh in Australia for Defence Talks and Agreements

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh began a two-day visit to Canberra, the first by an Indian defence minister in 12 years, to launch the inaugural Australia-India Defence Ministers’ Dialogue. He met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles on cooperation in cyber defence, maritime security, and regional challenges. The visit resulted in three agreements on information sharing, maritime domain awareness, and logistics support.

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles called the newly signed defence agreement with India a “hugely significant step” in strengthening cooperation between the two nations’ armed forces. He said the agreement reflects the growing trust and strategic alignment between India and Australia, now being translated into deeper operational engagement and coordination.

The agreement was signed in Canberra in the presence of India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Richard Marles. It aims to boost interoperability, information sharing, and joint operational coordination between the two militaries, marking an important milestone in defence ties.

Rajnath Singh, who is on an official visit to Australia, arrived in Canberra on Thursday and was given a ceremonial welcome at the Parliament House. The event included a traditional ‘Welcome to Country’ smoke ceremony, which honors Australia’s Indigenous heritage.

During the visit, Rajnath Singh held talks with Marles on enhancing defence cooperation, maritime security, and joint initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also joined the discussions, highlighting Canberra’s commitment to strengthening relations with New Delhi and promoting peace and stability in the region.