- India and Australia deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through defence industrial collaboration, naval synergy, and community engagement in Sydney
NE DEFENCE & BUSINESS BUREAU
SYDNEY/NEW DELHI, OCT 10
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s ongoing visit to Australia has marked a significant milestone in India–Australia defence cooperation, blending strategic dialogue with industrial collaboration and people-to-people connect. On the second day of his visit, Rajnath Singh toured the historic naval facility HMAS Kuttabul in Sydney and co-chaired the maiden India–Australia Defence Industry Business Round Table, reaffirming the shared vision of the two Indo-Pacific partners for a secure, resilient, and prosperous region.
Accompanied by Australia’s Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil, the Defence Minister was briefed on the cutting-edge facilities at Sydney Harbour and taken onboard Admiral Hudson, symbolising growing synergy between the two maritime forces. Both leaders underlined the importance of enhanced naval cooperation and Maritime Domain Awareness, noting that India and Australia are poised to play complementary roles in ensuring regional stability.
Later, Shri Rajnath Singh co-chaired the first-ever Defence Industry Business Round Table, jointly organised by the Ministry of Defence (India), the Australian Department of Defence, the Newland Global Group, and the Australia–India Business Council. The high-level forum was attended by senior government officials, diplomats, industry leaders, research institutions, and innovators from both countries.
“Under the banner of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2020, we stand at a pivotal juncture to re-position our defence relations — not merely as partners, but as co-creators of a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” stated Shri Rajnath Singh in his address.
He described the Round Table as “not merely a dialogue, but a declaration of intent”, emphasising that India and Australia must emerge as natural allies in defence business, innovation, and industry.
Rajnath Singh outlined India’s transformative economic journey, highlighting that the country is now the world’s fourth-largest economy and the fastest-growing large economy. “Our defence production touched ₹1.51 lakh crore last financial year — an 18% rise over the previous year — while exports reached ₹23,622 crore, spanning nearly 100 countries,” he noted.
Calling for closer industrial and R&D collaboration, he invited Australian companies to co-develop and co-produce high-end systems such as propulsion technologies, autonomous underwater vehicles, flight simulators, and advanced materials. “Our partnership can help build interoperable platforms aligned with the strategic objectives of both nations,” he said.
He also underscored the complementary strengths of both countries — Australia’s expertise in niche technologies like quantum systems and maritime surveillance, and India’s manufacturing scale, software capabilities, and indigenous defence ecosystem.
“To accelerate defence R&D in the private sector, we have opened avenues for free-of-cost technology transfer through DRDO. These initiatives are delivering excellent results,” Rajnath Singh said, noting that DRDO and Australia’s Defence Science & Technology Group are already collaborating on towed array sensors and advancing discussions in quantum technology, AI, cybersecurity, and information warfare.
The Defence Minister cited examples of successful joint ventures, including Indo-MIM Pvt. Ltd. with Thales Australia, Tata Advanced Systems with W&E Platt Pty Ltd, and Munitions India Ltd. with Aqusport, calling them proof of the “synergistic potential of both industrial ecosystems.”
He welcomed Australia’s proposal for a reciprocal provision of defence articles and services MoU, noting that “Australia’s decision to identify India as a ‘Top Tier Partner’ by easing regulatory barriers is a testament to the mutual trust that defines our relationship.”
Highlighting opportunities in shipbuilding, naval repairs, refits, and green technologies, Rajnath Singh invited Australian industries to leverage India’s robust defence manufacturing ecosystem. “Our shipyards have a proven track record in building and maintaining naval platforms. We are ready to support the Royal Australian Navy and vessels under the Pacific Maritime Security Program,” he added.
The Raksha Mantri concluded his address with a call to action: “I invite the Australian business community to invest, collaborate, and innovate with India. Together, we can develop cutting-edge technologies, build advanced platforms, and ensure that our industries are not just suppliers, but strategic enablers of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.”
In the evening, Rajnath Singh addressed members of the Indian community in Sydney at a special event hosted by the Consulate General of India, commending their vital role in strengthening the cultural and economic bridge between the two nations.
Rajnath Singh’s Australia visit, underscored by high-level engagements, industry partnerships, and community interaction, reflects India’s growing diplomatic and industrial footprint in the Indo-Pacific — and marks a new era in the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
