Indian RM in Australia after 12 years: Marles, Rajnath discuss ‘top tier’ security ties

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held “productive” meetings with his Australian counterpart Richard Marles and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his historic visit to Australia.

During his meeting with Marles, Singh discussed ways to boost bilateral defence cooperation. The two sides also reviewed progress made in the defence industry, cyber defence, and maritime security.

“I highlighted the rapid growth of India’s defense industry and India’s growing stature as a credible source of high-quality defense tech globally. We discussed potential for deeper defense industry partnerships between India and Australia,” Singh said.

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

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This is the first time in 12 years that an Indian defence minister has visited Australia, making Singh’s trip to the country significant in terms of defence cooperation. Highlighting this, Marles said, “It’s the first time in 12 years that an Indian Defence Minister has visited Australia, and it was fantastic to elevate our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. As top tier security partners we’ve agreed to boost dialogue, cooperation, and complexity in joint and multilateral exercises across the services.”

A productive meeting at the Inaugural Australia-India Defence Ministers’ Dialogue with @rajnathsingh at Parliament House this morning. It’s the first time in 12 years that an Indian Defence Minister has visited Australia, and it was fantastic to elevate our Comprehensive… pic.twitter.com/e8oej85hs5

— Richard Marles (@RichardMarlesMP) October 9, 2025

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PM Albanese, similarly, said, “Australia and India’s defence partnership keeps getting stronger - built on trust, shared interests and a commitment to a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

Australia and India’s defence partnership keeps getting stronger - built on trust, shared interests and a commitment to a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Great to meet with the Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on his first trip to Australia for the Inaugural… pic.twitter.com/k2eN2oUBBW

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) October 9, 2025

India-Aus defence cooperation

Singh’s visit marks a significant step in strengthening strategic ties between the two countries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where both nations are working to enhance cooperation amid evolving regional dynamics.

India and Australia have emerged as top-tier security partners, with defence collaboration becoming a key pillar of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Defence engagements have tripled over the past decade, rising from 11 interactions in 2014 to 33 in 2024. The two sides have operationalised an Air-to-Air Refuelling Implementing Arrangement and signed several key defence agreements.

Australia has also launched its first-ever defence trade mission to India, focusing on advanced sectors such as C5ISR. Joint military exercises are also on the agenda, further boosting interoperability and trust between the two forces.