New Delhi . Defense Minister Rajnath Singh co-chaired the India-Australia Defense Ministers’ Dialogue with his counterpart and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in New Delhi on Monday. In this dialogue, along with assessing the progress made in bilateral defense cooperation, the issue of finding new avenues of mutual cooperation was discussed. The India-Australia defense partnership is all set to grow steadily in the years to come.
During bilateral talks with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said, “I would like to congratulate your Government on the recently released ‘National Defense Strategy’ and ‘Integrated Investment Program’ for 2026. During today’s discussion, I look forward to hearing your views on this policy document and the prospects for growth in India-Australia defense relations. He said that together we reviewed the entire scope of bilateral defense cooperation and discussed ways and means to further enhance it.
Rajnath Singh welcomed Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Marles on his arrival in New Delhi ahead of the second India-Australia Defense Ministers’ dialogue. Later, Richard Marles was given a ‘Guard of Honour’ from the three services in the presence of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. The ‘Defence Ministers Dialogue’ in the presence of the new Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani and Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan reviewed defense cooperation and explored new opportunities to further strengthen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The visit by Richard Marles follows the first ‘Defence Ministers’ Dialogue’ held in Australia in October 2025 and reflects the growing momentum in the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Australia is a key partner in India’s vision of an open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The visit also reflects the growing strength of the India-Australia defense partnership.
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