NewzVille Desk
India and Australia signed key defence agreements in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles.
Minister Singh met his Australian counterpart, Richard Marles, where both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Australia defense cooperation, including defence industry, cyber defence, maritime security, and regional challenges. They also reaffirmed the importance of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the rapid growth of India’s defence industry and India’s growing stature as a credible source of high-quality defence technology globally. He also thanked Australia for its steadfast support on cross-border terrorism and shared regional stability.
During his visit, Rajnath Singh was welcomed by Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles at the Parliament House in Canberra.
A “Welcome to Country” smoke ceremony was also held at the Australian Parliament to honour and welcome Rajnath Singh. The ceremony was part of a reconciliation process, acknowledging the traditional ownership of the land and involving Aboriginal Australians in events that take place on their traditional lands.
Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was onboard the KC-30A, an Australian Royal Australian Air Force multirole tanker transport aircraft. He witnessed the air-to-air refuelling of an F-35 while travelling from Sydney to Canberra.
India and Australia had signed an agreement allowing the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Indian armed forces to conduct air-to-air refuelling in 2024.
