-Rajnath Singh and Richard Marles to Review Defence Cooperation and Explore New Areas of Strategic Collaboration

NEW DELHI, May 31 (H.S.): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will co-chair the India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue with his Australian counterpart and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in New Delhi on June 1.

The dialogue will provide an opportunity for both sides to review the progress made in bilateral defence cooperation and explore new avenues for strengthening strategic collaboration between the two countries.

Discussions are expected to focus on enhancing defence and security cooperation, increasing military interoperability, expanding defence industry collaboration, and exchanging views on regional and global security developments of mutual interest.

The meeting is also expected to identify new opportunities for cooperation aimed at further strengthening bilateral defence ties, deepening strategic trust, and promoting stability and security across the Indo-Pacific region.

Richard Marles’ visit comes in the wake of the inaugural India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue held in Australia in October 2025 and reflects the growing momentum in the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Australia remains a key partner in India’s vision for a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The visit is expected to underscore the increasing depth, resilience, and strategic significance of the India-Australia defence partnership.

Officials believe the dialogue will further reinforce cooperation between the two countries in addressing shared security challenges and advancing a stable regional order through closer defence engagement.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar