India, Australia Eye Joint Defence Production To Boost Indo-Pacific Security During Rajnath Singh’s Visit

In what is being seen as truly historic, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Australia is first such by a minister under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government since 2014, with the last being by Congress leader AK Antony in 2012. “It marks the first visit to Australia by an Indian Defence Minister in twelve years, and the first by a Defence Minister in PM Narendra Modi’s government,” Australian High Commissioner Philip Green said.

In a significant step towards strengthening strategic cooperation, India and Australia on Thursday (October 9, 2025) explored avenues for joint production of military hardware, as Defence Minister Singh met his Australian counterpart Richard Marles in Canberra.

The meeting, held during Singh’s two-day official visit, focused on expanding defence collaboration across multiple domains, including defence industry, maritime security, cyber defence, regional stability. Singh described the talks as “productive”, and said they conducted a comprehensive review of the India-Australia defence cooperation framework.

Additionally, there was a special emphasis on deepening industrial partnerships and enhancing operational synergy in the Indo-Pacific.

How is India positioning itself as a defence technology hub?

During the discussions, Singh underscored the rapid growth of India’s defence industry, noting its evolution into a credible global source of high-quality defence technology. He invited Australian participation in India’s expanding defence manufacturing ecosystem under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.

Both ministers agreed that joint research, co-development, and co-production could serve as new frontiers in the bilateral partnership, strengthening self-reliance while ensuring interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces.

What message did the two sides send on regional security?

Reaffirming the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), the two ministers stressed on their shared commitment to a free, open, and resilient Indo-Pacific. Singh thanked Australia for its consistent support on cross-border terrorism and its cooperation in maintaining peace and stability across the region.

“Together, we will deepen cooperation for a free, open, and resilient Indo-Pacific,” Singh said, reflecting New Delhi’s vision of collaborative regional security.

Were their talks with the Australian leadership too?

Yes. Rajnath Singh also called on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who fondly recalled his long-standing association with India. The meeting reinforced the political momentum driving the bilateral partnership. “I am confident that India-Australia bilateral relationship will continue to grow deeper and stronger,” Singh remarked after the meeting.

How have India–Australia defence ties evolved?

India and Australia’s defence engagements have grown substantially in recent years, covering capacity-building, professional training, naval ship visits, and bilateral as well as multilateral exercises such as AUSINDEX and Malabar.

The relationship received a major boost in 2020, when the two countries elevated their ties from a Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), marking a new era in defence cooperation aimed at promoting regional security, technological collaboration, and mutual trust.

How India and Australia cleared their stance on terrorism?

In a strong diplomatic statement that underscored India’s unwavering stance against terrorism, Defence Minister Singh declared that “terror and trade cannot go together” during his bilateral talks with Australian Deputy PM and Defence Minister Richard Marles. The meeting, held as part of Singh’s two-day visit to Australia, marked five years of the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The discussions between Singh and Marles were described as “wide-ranging and productive,” covering joint military exercises, maritime domain awareness, cyber security, and defence industry collaboration.

• The meeting concluded with the signing of three major agreements:

• An Agreement on Information Sharing, aimed at bolstering interoperability and intelligence cooperation.

• An MoU on Submarine Search and Rescue Cooperation, enhancing maritime safety in the Indo-Pacific.

Terms of Reference for Joint Staff Talks, institutionalising regular dialogue between the armed forces of both countries.

Why is Rajnath Singh’s message on terrorism significant?

Singh’s remarks carried a broader geopolitical resonance beyond bilateral cooperation. Reiterating India’s long-held position, he stated unequivocally that “terror and talks cannot go together, terror and trade cannot go together, and water and blood cannot flow together.”

This was a clear signal that India will not engage with nations that harbour or support terrorism while seeking economic or diplomatic engagement elsewhere. The statement, though not naming any country, was an unmistakable reference to Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the ministers also underscored the strategic importance of defence industrial collaboration and engagement. They welcomed Australia’s first defence trade mission to India from 7 to 10 October 2025 and the inaugural India Pavilion at Australia’s Land Forces Expo 2024 as reflecting growth in the bilateral defence industry relationship.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles accepted the invitation of Defence Minister Singh to visit India for the Annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in 2026.”