Sydney, Australia – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Australian Assistant Minister of Defence Peter Khalil on Friday to launch the first India‑Australia Defence Industry Business Round Table. The event marked a new phase in a growing partnership that both leaders said now goes beyond “just partners” to “co‑creators of a secure and prosperous Indo‑Pacific.”
The Rio‑like meeting was held in Sydney’s bustling commercial district and drew senior officials from both sides, including India’s high commissioner to Australia, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, and Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit. Together they discussed how the two countries can deepen ties in strategy, industry and technology.
“We stand at a pivotal juncture,” said Singh. “Our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, launched in 2020, now demands a sharper focus on common priorities.” Singh reminded delegates that India‑Australia outreach has already produced high‑profile engagements, such as the 2024 Summit and a recent 2+2 dialogue that brought ministers and military leaders together.
The defence sector is a key pillar of India’s strategy. Last fiscal year, India’s defence production topped ₹1.51 lakh crore – roughly USD 8 billion – an 18 % jump from the year before. Armed with a liberalised foreign‑direct‑investment regime that allows up to 74 % of FDI through automatic approval, India now invites Australian firms to co‑develop and co‑produce advanced systems. Proposals include propulsion technologies, autonomous underwater vehicles, flight simulators and advanced materials.
Singh also highlighted defence exports. “Last year, our exports hit about ₹23,622 crore, or USD 2.76 billion, reaching around 100 countries,” he said. “We continue to simplify compliance and policy frameworks to make India an attractive, business‑friendly partner.”
Both sides stressed that joint ventures could create interoperable platforms aligned with their strategic goals. “Australia’s expertise in autonomous systems and India’s rapid manufacturing base make a natural fit,” Singh added. Khalil echoed the sentiment, noting that Australian companies stand to gain new market openings and technology partners in a region where security dynamics are evolving quickly.
The round‑table meeting also attracted senior industry representatives from Defence Corporation of India, Bharat Electronics, and several Australian firms interested in the Indo‑Pacific corridor. Stakeholders walked away with a clear message: the India‑Australia defence relationship is set to grow faster than ever, as both governments look to turn mutual respect into tangible, shared security outcomes.
Source: aninews
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