Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to travel to Australia for a two-day visit beginning Thursday, with the goal of fortifying bilateral defense and strategic relations. Discussions will cover ‘new and meaningful’ steps to enhance cooperation. The visit will see the signing of three agreements focused on information sharing, maritime security, and collaborative activities. This visit is particularly significant as it is the first by a Defense Minister under the Modi government since 2014 and occurs during the fifth-anniversary celebrations of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
The Australian Defence Minister, Richard Marles, had previously visited India in June 2025. The visit is at the invitation of Richard Marles, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia. The trip provides a crucial platform for both nations to explore fresh and meaningful initiatives to solidify bilateral ties and defense partnerships. A key element of the visit includes bilateral discussions with the Australian counterpart. Rajnath Singh will also lead a business roundtable in Sydney, which will include prominent industry figures from both countries, alongside meetings with other Australian national leaders. Over the past few years, India-Australia defense relations have deepened, encompassing capacity building, training, ship visits, and bilateral exercises. The three agreements slated for signing during this visit are designed to foster greater cooperation in information sharing, the maritime domain, and joint activities. The expansion of defense relations has included extensive interactions between the two armed forces, military exchanges, high-level visits, and capacity-building and training programs.