Raksha Mantri of India held a comprehensive bilateral meeting with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, marking five years of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The discussions emphasized deepening defence collaboration across military exercises, maritime security, defence industry, and joint research in science and technology.
During the talks, both sides signed three major agreements: an Agreement on Information Sharing, an MoU on Submarine Search and Rescue Cooperation, and Terms of Reference for the establishment of Joint Staff Talks, paving the way for closer operational coordination and strategic engagement.
Raksha Mantri highlighted India’s firm stance against terrorism, stating that “terror and talks cannot go together, terror and trade cannot go together, and water and blood cannot flow together,” and urged the international community to unite against all forms of terrorism. The discussions reaffirmed shared democratic values and deep-rooted cultural ties underpinning bilateral relations.
Prime Minister of Australia briefly joined the meeting, extending a warm welcome and praising India’s economic and technological advancements, including defence, cyber security, and IT sectors. He also commended India’s efforts in poverty alleviation and expressed optimism for enhanced cooperation in the coming years.
The visit included a ceremonial stair guard welcome by Australia’s Assistant Minister of Defence and a live air-to-air refuelling demonstration showcasing interoperability between India and Australia following last year’s Implementation Arrangement. The Raksha Mantri’s engagements at the Australian Parliament House were marked by a traditional welcome, reflecting the growing depth of mutual trust and strategic partnership.
This milestone visit strengthens operational collaboration, reinforces defence industry linkages, and underscores India and Australia’s commitment to regional peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.
