Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Canberra on Thursday, October 9, 2025, as part of his official visit to Australia. Photo credit: X/ rajnathsingh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Canberra on Thursday (October 9, 2025) as part of his official visit to Australia, aimed at strengthening defence and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
At the airport, Mr. Singh was received by Peter Khalil, Australia’s Assistant Minister of Defence and Vice Admiral Justin Jones, Chief of Joint Operations.
The Defence Minister held a meeting with Australia’s Deputy PM & Defence Minister Richard Marles. Mr. Singh said in a post on X, “We reviewed the full spectrum of India-Australia defence cooperation, including defence industry, cyber defence, maritime security and regional challenges. We reaffirmed the importance of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
He also wrote, “I highlighted the rapid growth of India’s defence industry and India’s growing stature as a credible source of high-quality defence tech globally. We discussed potential for deeper defence industry partnerships between India and Australia.”
A “Welcome to Country smoke” ceremony was also held at the Australian Parliament to honour and welcome Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The ceremony was part of a reconciliation process, as it acknowledges the traditional ownership of the land and involves Aboriginal Australians in events that take place on their traditional lands.
Published – October 09, 2025 09:03 am IST