Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the Annual India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi, emphasising that since its inception last year, military ties between the two nations have deepened considerably.
He made these remarks during the second round of the dialogue, co-chaired with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles. Singh noted that the establishment of the annual ministerial dialogue has already led to an increase in defence engagements, with several promising milestones achieved since October 2025.
Reflecting on the inaugural dialogue held in Australia in October 2025, Singh recalled the positive outcomes of that meeting and expressed gratitude to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for his candid discussions with him and the Indian delegation.
He underlined that the decision for the leaders to meet annually is a crucial step in reviewing the progress of defence relations and charting the way forward for the coming years.
Singh also congratulated the Australian government on recent key defence leadership appointments, including the historic selection of the first woman defence secretary and the first female armed chief.
He commended Australia’s 2026 National Defence Studies and the 2026 Integrated Investment Program, stating his eagerness to gain insights from these policy documents and explore opportunities for growth in India-Australia defence relations.
Earlier in the day, Richard Marles paid tributes at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. His visit was welcomed by Australian Ambassador to India Philip Green, who highlighted on social media that the trip reflects the momentum, strategic depth, and enduring “Dosti” defining the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The co-chairing of the dialogue by Singh and Marles underscored the maturity and depth of the defence partnership, which is increasingly aligned with India’s vision of a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
The dialogue builds upon the inaugural meeting in October 2025, which marked unprecedented progress in bilateral defence cooperation.
Since the elevation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020, the two ministers have met four times, advancing their Prime Ministers’ long-term vision for collaboration.
This vision aims to enhance collective strength, contribute to both nations’ security, and make a meaningful contribution to regional peace and stability. The second dialogue reaffirmed this ambition, reflecting the growing strategic convergence between India and Australia.
ANI
