'Dharma protects the universe': Rajnath Singh at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sydney

Singh is on a two-day official visit to Sydney, where he has been engaging with senior Australian officials and business leaders to strengthen bilateral defence and strategic partnerships.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday, visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sydney, where he offered prayers and spoke about the deeper meaning of Dharma, describing it as a principle that ensures the protection and harmony of the universe.

Explaining the concept, Singh said, “That which guarantees the protection of the animate or inanimate of this entire universe is called Dharma. That which safeguards the sanctity of its rules, regulations, and laws, and supports their development, is Dharma.”

During his visit, Singh was warmly welcomed by children singing devotional hymns and later performed aarti at the temple. Addressing members of the Indian diaspora, he shared details of his meetings with top Australian leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Deputy Prime Minister, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, calling the discussions “very productive and meaningful.”

Singh praised the Indian community in Australia for their cultural pride and mutual respect toward both nations. “I was deeply moved to see people here honouring the national anthems of both India and Australia, beautifully sung by children. This reflects your large-heartedness and the spirit of mutual respect between our two countries,” he said.

Highlighting India’s growing influence on the world stage, Singh noted that Australia’s Prime Minister lauded India’s rapid economic progress. “India today holds a special place in international forums, our opinions are valued and our achievements recognised globally,” he said, adding that the country has moved past its earlier challenges of poverty and unemployment to become a confident, fast-growing nation.

Earlier in the day, Singh co-chaired the India–Australia Defence Industry Round Table with Australia’s Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil. The two sides discussed deepening cooperation in defence production and expanding collaboration between their armed forces and industries.

Singh is on a two-day official visit to Sydney, where he has been engaging with senior Australian officials and business leaders to strengthen bilateral defence and strategic partnerships.