Rajnath Singh strengthens India-Australia defense ties during Sydney visit.
During his official visit to Australia on October 10, 2025, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in crucial discussions aimed at strengthening the India-Australia defence partnership. He visited the strategic naval facility HMAS Kuttabul in Sydney, where he was briefed on advanced maritime capabilities and emphasized the necessity for enhanced naval collaboration and Maritime Domain Awareness in the Indo-Pacific region. Subsequently, he co-chaired the inaugural India-Australia Defence Industry Business Roundtable, where he articulated the potential for deepening industrial partnerships and co-production projects under the frameworks of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Singh highlighted India’s remarkable defence production growth, reaching ₹1.51 lakh crore (approximately USD 18 billion), and encouraged Australian firms to participate in co-developing high-end systems like autonomous underwater vehicles and advanced materials. His discussions with Australian leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles, reinforced the significance of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which focuses on shared democratic values and collaborative innovation. This partnership is pivotal not only for enhancing bilateral defence capabilities but also for contributing to a secure and self-reliant Indo-Pacific region, showcasing India’s strategic intent to emerge as a major player in global defense and technology. The ongoing dialogue and active industrial collaborations signify a promising trajectory for both nations, solidifying their position as natural allies in addressing contemporary security challenges and fostering economic synergies.