Defense Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Sydney on Wednesday for a two-day visit to Australia, where he was received by Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay. The trip follows an invitation from Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles and coincides with the fifth anniversary of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It marks the first visit by an Indian defense minister to Australia since 2014 under the current government.
Singh will hold talks with Marles and chair a business roundtable in Sydney attended by industry leaders from both nations. He will also meet with other senior Australian officials. The Defense Ministry said three agreements are expected to be signed to strengthen cooperation in information sharing, maritime security, and joint activities.
The ministry added that the visit will help expand defense ties through exchanges, capacity building, and maritime collaboration. It noted that India and Australia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020, deepening cooperation through shared democratic values, education, and cultural links.
Marles visited India in June, where both leaders condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and pledged to work jointly against terrorism. Singh reaffirmed India’s right to self-defense while emphasizing New Delhi’s restrained and responsible approach to cross-border threats.
Singh will hold talks with Marles and chair a business roundtable in Sydney attended by industry leaders from both nations. He will also meet with other senior Australian officials. The Defense Ministry said three agreements are expected to be signed to strengthen cooperation in information sharing, maritime security, and joint activities.
The ministry added that the visit will help expand defense ties through exchanges, capacity building, and maritime collaboration. It noted that India and Australia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020, deepening cooperation through shared democratic values, education, and cultural links.
Marles visited India in June, where both leaders condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and pledged to work jointly against terrorism. Singh reaffirmed India’s right to self-defense while emphasizing New Delhi’s restrained and responsible approach to cross-border threats.
