'Not just partners': Rajnath says India, Australia 'co-creators of secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific'

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that India and Australia are the “co-creators” of a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, as he met with the country’s Assistant Minister of Defence Peter Khalil during his visit to Canberra.

“Today,  as we gather under the banner of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in  2020, we stand at a pivotal juncture to reposition our defense relations not merely as partners but as co-creators of a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific… This partnership has since deepened through regular high-level engagements, including the India-Australia Summit in November 2024 and the 2+2 dialogue held in October 2024,” Singh said.

On Thursday, 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.

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.

“On the technology front, DRDO and Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group are already collaborating on towed array sensors. Later this year, collaboration in fields of quantum technology, artificial intelligence, cyber security, information warfare, and advanced science and technology is set to be explored,” Singh said on Friday.

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.