(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh touched down in Canberra this week for a high‑profile visit aimed at boosting India‑Australia defence ties and tackling shared security challenges in the Indo‑Pacific.
The journey began in Sydney, where Singh was greeted by the India High Commissioner, Gopal Baglay, and other senior officials. He tweeted, “Leaving Sydney for Canberra on Day 1 of my official visit to Australia,” a nod that his trip was already generating buzz on social media.
At the Canberra Royal Australian Air Force base, the Indian minister met with Peter Khalil, the Australian Assistant Minister of Defence, and Vice Admiral Justin Jones, the Chief of Joint Operations. Khalil welcomed Singh warmly, setting a friendly tone for the meetings that followed.
During the visit, Singh is set to sign several key agreements. A Memorandum of Understanding on submarine search and rescue will be signed by India’s Vice Chief of Naval Staff and Australia’s Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond. The two sides will also finalize a Terms of Reference for Joint Staff Talks and a classified defence‑intelligence‑sharing arrangement, signalling deeper military cooperation.
High‑level talks will include Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles; Foreign Minister Penny Wong; and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The agenda will focus on regional security concerns, especially rising challenges in the Indo‑Pacific, where both countries see themselves as key partners.
A Welcome to Country ceremony at Parliament honored Singh, acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land—a gesture that highlights ongoing reconciliation efforts and the importance of Aboriginal Australians in national events.
In a tweet before departing Sydney, Singh wrote, “Warmly received by Mr. Peter Khalil… look forward to a bilateral meeting with my friend Richard Marles.” The friendly tone reflects the solid relationship building between the two nations.
Overall, the visit underscores India and Australia’s shared commitment to a stable, secure Indo‑Pacific region and looks set to deepen defence collaboration across multiple fronts.
Source: aninews
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