Canberra/New Delhi: In a major step toward strengthening defence ties, India and Australia signed three significant agreements focused on intelligence sharing, submarine search cooperation, and joint staff dialogues during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s official visit to Australia.
Rajnath Singh met his Australian counterpart Richard Marles in Canberra for what both sides described as “positive and constructive talks.” The agreements aim to further expand defence and military collaboration between the two Indo-Pacific partners.
Apart from the information-sharing pact, both nations signed an MoU on submarine detection and search cooperation and established a framework for Joint Staff Talks, enhancing interoperability and strategic coordination.
During his two-day visit, Singh also met Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, focusing on making bilateral relations more dynamic. He paid tribute at the Australian War Memorial.
Focus on Indo-Pacific Security and Freedom of Navigation
Both defence ministers emphasised the importance of maintaining a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. They reaffirmed support for freedom of navigation, overflight, and uninterrupted trade, a clear response to China’s growing military assertiveness in the region.
They also committed to deepening cooperation in maritime security, defence industry partnerships, and joint research in science and technology.
India’s Strong Stand on Terrorism
Addressing the threat of terrorism, Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s firm position, indirectly referring to Pakistan.
He said, “Terror and talks cannot go together. Terror and trade cannot go together. Water and blood cannot flow together.”
He called on the international community to unite against all forms of terrorism.
Notably, this visit marks the first time in 12 years that an Indian Defence Minister has travelled to Australia, underlining the growing strategic importance of the partnership.
With these new agreements, India and Australia have signaled a stronger security alliance and a shared commitment to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
