Rajnath Singh's Australia Visit Bolsters India-Australia Defence

• Rajnath Singh’s visit marks the first Indian Defence Minister trip under the current government and the 5th anniversary of the India-Australia CSP
• Singh will meet his Australian counterpart, attend a business roundtable, and engage with national leaders
• Both nations strengthen ties through joint exercises, maritime collaboration, and counter-terrorism initiatives

Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made his way to Sydney for a two-day official visit to Australia, where he was welcomed by the Indian High Commissioner to Australia, Gopal Baglay.

Singh's visit is not only the result of an invitation from his Australian counterpart, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles but also marks the fifth anniversary of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), a significant event in the history of bilateral ties. It is the first time since the 2014 election that an Indian Defence Minister has visited Australia under the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rajnath Singh’s Canberra visit highlights the strengthening of India Australia defence ties and underscores the growing India Australia strategic partnership. The discussions focused on Indo Pacific security, defence agreements, and enhancing the overall defence partnership between the two nations.

On X Defence Minister's Office mentioned, "Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reaches Sydney on an official visit to Australia. He was received by the Indian High Commissioner to Australia Shri Gopal Baglay".

Rajnath Singh will have bilateral discussions with the Australian Minister of Defence during his visit and chair the Sydney business roundtable with the participation of the business leaders from both nations. Moreover, Indian Defence Minister Singh is scheduled to have talks with other high-ranking officials in Australia.

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"At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and the Defence Minister Richard Marles, I am visiting Australia to continue our dialogue, and exchange views on areas of mutual interest. Also looking forward to call on the other national leaders of Australia and explore ideas for cooperation between both the countries. This visit comes at historic moment when India and Australia commemorate 5 years of establishment of India Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). Looking forward to further deepen our partnership", Rajnath Singh stated on his X post.

The Defence Ministry is of the opinion that the visit gives the two countries a great opportunity to initiate discussions on new projects that can not only enhance the defence partnership but also promote wider bilateral cooperation.

Over the years, defence engagements between India and Australia have grown steadily, including military-to-military exchanges, high-level visits, joint exercises, maritime cooperation, ship visits, and capacity-building programs.

The ministry statement said, "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".

Earlier this year, Richard Marles visited India in June, meeting Singh in New Delhi. During this meeting, both ministers strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. Singh emphasized India’s right to respond in self-defence to cross-border terrorism, describing the country’s actions against Pakistan as measured, proportionate, and responsible. The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate in combating terrorism in all its forms, reflecting the deepening strategic alignment between India and Australia.