Canberra: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit marked the first by an Indian Defence Minister in 12 years, elevating the Australia–India relationship from strategic alignment to operational depth.

Exercise and Dialogue

The visit coincided with Exercise AUSTRAHIND in Perth, focusing on urban and semi-urban operations. Singh led the inaugural Australia–India Defence Ministers’ Dialogue, producing a joint statement and the Implementing Arrangement on Mutual Submarine Rescue Support.

“This arrangement will deepen undersea trust, coordination, and counter China’s power projection in the Indian Ocean,” the report noted. Joint Staff Talks will enhance joint exercises, operations, and interoperability.

Industrial and Regional Cooperation

The countries agreed to collaborate on contemporary defence technology, including joint working groups. India will continue maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of Royal Australian Navy ships in Indian shipyards.

Operational Outcomes

The visit delivered three main outcomes: converting strategic alignment into operational mechanisms, advancing industrial reciprocity, and expanding the bilateral partnership into a wider regional role without treaty obligations.