Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will be in Australia for a two-day visit starting Thursday. The purpose of the visit is to boost bilateral defense and strategic relations, with discussions centered on enhancing cooperation through ‘new and meaningful’ measures. During the visit, three agreements are set to be signed to improve information sharing, maritime security, and joint activities. This marks the first Australia visit for a Defense Minister under the Modi government since 2014, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
Singh’s visit is at the invitation of Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles. The visit will provide both countries with an opportunity to pursue new and substantial initiatives to enhance bilateral relations and defense partnerships. Key events include bilateral discussions with the Australian counterpart, a business roundtable in Sydney featuring industry leaders from both countries, and meetings with other Australian national leaders. The visit comes as India and Australia are reviewing the current situation in the Indo-Pacific region. The expansion of defense relations has incorporated enhanced communication between the armed forces, military exchanges, high-level visits, capacity building and training programs, cooperation in the maritime sector, ship visits, and bilateral exercises. The agreements to be signed will focus on information sharing, maritime security, and cooperation in joint activities.