Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Australia on October 9-10, first since 2014

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will undertake a two-day official visit to Australia from October 9 to 10 at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, the Ministry of Defence said in an official statement. Rajnath Singh is scheduled to leave for Australia on October 7.

This will mark the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister to Australia since the Modi government came to power in 2014. The visit coincides with the fifth anniversary of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), a key milestone in the growing ties between the two nations.

During the visit, three agreements are expected to be signed to boost cooperation in areas such as information sharing, the maritime domain, and joint defence activities. India and Australia had upgraded their relationship from a Strategic Partnership in 2009 to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020.

Australia plays a significant role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategic vision for the Indo-Pacific and the Global South. Against this backdrop, Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with his Australian counterpart and chair a business roundtable in Sydney, which will be attended by industry leaders from both countries. The discussions aim to explore new initiatives to further deepen defence and economic collaboration.

The visit holds importance in the current geopolitical context, as Australia has emerged as a crucial strategic partner. India is seeking to strengthen naval cooperation with Australia, known for its robust maritime capabilities. As a member of the Quad alliance—alongside India, the United States, and Japan—Australia is a key player in maintaining balance in the Indo-Pacific region.

India and Australia share a strong bond grounded in democratic values, Commonwealth traditions, and growing economic engagement. Close people-to-people connections, the presence of Indian students in Australian universities, and strong tourism and sporting ties continue to reinforce the enduring partnership between the two nations.