JUNE 04: During a significant bilateral meeting held in New Delhi on June 4, 2025, India’s Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh met with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Mr Richard Marles. The two leaders held comprehensive discussions on enhancing defence and strategic cooperation, particularly in the context of regional security in the Indo-Pacific and rising threats from terrorism.
Both ministers strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and offered condolences to the families of the victims. Shri Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s inherent right to act in self-defence against cross-border terrorism. He described India’s military response to Pakistan as proportionate, non-escalatory, and responsible. Mr Marles, expressing solidarity, affirmed Australia’s unequivocal support for India’s measured response.
A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of the Australia-India Joint Research Project, marking a step forward in defence industry and technological cooperation. The ministers committed to expanding this collaboration through joint initiatives in science, emerging technologies, cyber security, and maritime security. They agreed to further these discussions during the upcoming third India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Australia later this year.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to assess progress since the last ministerial dialogue in 2023. Strategic discussions covered a wide array of themes, including counter-terrorism, regional and global security developments, hydrography, and deepening cooperation in defence production and technology sharing.
Recognizing the fifth anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations, both sides acknowledged defence as a central pillar of their evolving partnership. The ministers emphasized the growing convergence of strategic interests and reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. They agreed to continue efforts to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indian Ocean and Pacific Island regions.
This marked Mr Marles’ first visit to India since his reappointment as Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence. His visit signals the continuing momentum in India-Australia ties and a shared vision for regional peace through robust defence cooperation.
