**Canberra: India and Australia Sign Key Defence Agreements Amidst Strengthened Strategic Partnership**
India and Australia have inked significant defence agreements during the visit of India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Canberra, marking a new chapter in bilateral defence cooperation.
The key agreements were signed in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles. The signing ceremony took place at the Parliament House in Canberra, where Singh also held a high-level meeting with Marles along with senior defence officials from both countries.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the rapid growth of India-Australia defence ties, describing their discussions as productive, forward-looking, and focused on expanding strategic coordination between their armed forces. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese later joined the meeting, underscoring the importance of the partnership.
Highlighting the significance of the newly signed defence agreement, Deputy PM Marles called it a “hugely significant step” in strengthening operational collaboration between the two nations. Speaking exclusively to ANI, he said, “What we are seeing in terms of deep trust and strategic alignment is now being expressed in a much deeper operational level of engagement between our two defence forces. The Agreement that we have signed in terms of staff talks between our operational commands is hugely significant… We are very excited about that.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Canberra on Thursday as part of his official visit to Australia, aiming to enhance defence and strategic cooperation. Upon arrival, he was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Parliament House by Richard Marles. A traditional ‘Welcome to Country’ smoke ceremony was conducted in his honour, symbolizing respect and acknowledgment of Australia’s Indigenous heritage.
During the visit, Singh’s comprehensive talks with Marles focused on further strengthening the India-Australia defence partnership, enhancing maritime security cooperation, and advancing joint initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
This visit and the agreements signed mark a significant milestone in the growing defence relationship between India and Australia, reflecting a shared vision for regional security and strategic collaboration.
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https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/india-australia-sign-key-defence-agreements-during-union-minister-rajnath-singhs-visit-to-canberra-strengthening-ties
