Rajnath Singh hails meeting with Australian Dy PM; leaders discuss potential to deepen defence industry partnerships

CANBERRA: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a productive meeting with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles on Thursday.

The leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Australia defence cooperation, including defence industry, cyber defence, maritime security and regional challenges.

#WATCH | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed by Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister & Defence Minister Richard Marles at the Parliament House in Canberra, Australia. pic.twitter.com/lRlvCKLBPR

— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2025

Sharing details in a post on social media platform X, Rajnath Singh highlighted that the leaders reaffirmed the importance of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Noting the rapid growth of India’s defence industry and India’s growing stature as a credible source of high-quality defence tech globally, Singh said that they discussed the potential for deeper defence industry partnerships between India and Australia.

“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 Indo-Pacific”, Singh underscored.

Had a productive meeting with Australia’s Deputy PM & Defence Minister @RichardMarlesMP. We reviewed the full spectrum of IndiaAustralia defense cooperation, including defense industry, cyber defense, maritime security and regional challenges. We reaffirmed the importance of our… pic.twitter.com/Yg5LN3S1fs

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 9, 2025

India and Australia inked key defence agreements during the visit of the Defence Minister. Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles has described the newly signed defence agreement with India as a “hugely significant step” in strengthening the operational partnership between the two nations’ armed forces.

Marles said, “I think the significance of today is that what we are seeing in terms of deep trust and strategic alignment is now being expressed in a much deeper operational level of engagement between our two defence forces. The Agreement that we have signed in terms of staff talks between our operational commands is hugely significant… We are very excited about that.”

Singh arrived in Canberra on Thursday as part of his official visit to Australia aimed at strengthening defence and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

#WATCH | A ‘Welcome to Country’ smoke ceremony was organised at the Australian Parliament to welcome and in honour of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. pic.twitter.com/vxF7ztVjc7

— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2025

He was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Parliament House by Richard Marles, where a traditional ‘Welcome to Country’ smoke ceremony was held in his honour, a gesture symbolizing respect and acknowledgement of Australia’s Indigenous heritage. (ANI)