India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh touched down in Australia on Wednesday — and he’s here for more than just handshakes. His visit kicks off a big week in defence ties between the two Indo-Pacific partners.
The talks lock in plans for annual high‑level meetings, new agreements on submarine rescue, joint staff talks, and expanded military drills — including India’s return to Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2027. Both nations pledged deeper cooperation on Indo‑Pacific security, defence industry projects, and military education exchanges.
Here’s what’s happening and why it matters:
1. The First-Ever Australia – India Defence Ministers’ Dialogue
This week saw a major first: Australia and India now have their own annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogue. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles hosted Rajnath Singh in Canberra for the inaugural meeting, setting the stage for what both sides call the next phase in defence cooperation.
The agenda? Strengthening military power, locking in shared security, and making sure both nations keep the Indo-Pacific safe and stable.
2. Defence Talks Go Permanent
From now on, these high-level talks will happen every year. Both countries agreed to step up coordination across their armies, navies, and air forces.
- A Joint Staff Talks setup to plan joint operations and exercises.
- A deal on Submarine Rescue Support, so each navy can help the other in emergencies.
- Plans to keep expanding joint training “across all domains,” from cyber to space.
A Joint Staff Talks setup to plan joint operations and exercises.
A deal on Submarine Rescue Support, so each navy can help the other in emergencies.
Plans to keep expanding joint training “across all domains,” from cyber to space.
3. The Focus: A Safer Indo-Pacific
At the heart of the talks is one big goal — keeping the Indo-Pacific free, open, and peaceful. Both ministers said they’re committed to freedom of navigation and trade, and to upholding international law at sea.
That means more joint patrols, shared surveillance, and anti-submarine operations. The two countries also plan to work more closely with Indonesia under their trilateral partnership, tackling piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime security issues together.
4. Major Joint Exercises Coming Up
Australia confirmed that India is back for Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2027, the country’s largest defence training event. In turn, Australian forces will join some of India’s biggest upcoming drills.
- The Indian Air Force’s Exercise Tarang Shakti
- Navy drills set for 2026
- India’s debut in Australia’s submarine rescue exercise, Black Carillon
The Indian Air Force’s Exercise Tarang Shakti
Navy drills set for 2026
India’s debut in Australia’s submarine rescue exercise, Black Carillon
5. Business Meets Defence
This week also features the first-ever Australian Defence Trade Mission to India and a Defence Industry Roundtable in Sydney on Friday.
The aim is simple — bring the two defence industries closer. Highlights include:
- Joint work on new military tech through a working group.
- India is offering repairs and maintenance for Australian Navy ships in Indian shipyards.
- More Indian defence firms are showcasing their products in Australia, following last year’s India Pavilion at the Land Forces Expo.
Joint work on new military tech through a working group.
India is offering repairs and maintenance for Australian Navy ships in Indian shipyards.
More Indian defence firms are showcasing their products in Australia, following last year’s India Pavilion at the Land Forces Expo.
6. Students and Soldiers Swapping Places
The partnership isn’t just about machines and drills — it’s about people too.
In 2026, Indian officers will study at the Australian Defence College for the first time, and in 2027, an Indian cadet will join the Australian Defence Force Academy. It’s all part of building long-term links between the next generation of officers.
7. Partnering With the Quad
Australia and India are strengthening their role in the Quad alliance alongside Japan and the United States.
They’re planning a new activity at Exercise Malabar in November 2025 and will also observe the Cope India air exercise with Japan and the US. The focus here is on maritime surveillance — keeping an eye on what’s happening across the Indo-Pacific.
8. Armies Level Up
Both armies are training for new challenges. Australia and India are expanding Exercise Austrahind and teaming up on Exercise Puk Puk to sharpen amphibious and ground operations.
They’ll also share know-how on the latest defence tech — from anti-drone systems to missile defence and special operations.
9. India’s Expanding Pacific Presence
Singh’s visit follows a busy few weeks for the Indian Navy. The ship INS Kadmatt recently joined Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Day celebrations and docked in Fiji.
Both sides said these visits show India’s growing presence in the Pacific — something Canberra is keen to support.
10. Next Stop: New Delhi 2026
Minister Marles has accepted Rajnath Singh’s invitation to visit India next year for the second Defence Ministers’ Dialogue. The plan is for this partnership to grow bigger, broader, and more practical every year.
Rajnath Singh’s Australian visit is more than a diplomatic stop — it’s a defence deep-dive. From joint drills and ship repairs to new tech and student exchanges, both countries are clearly gearing up for a long-term partnership built on trust, strategy, and shared goals in the Indo-Pacific.
[…] In a joint statement during the recent Australia-India Defence Ministers’ Dialogue, Defence Minist…reaffirmed their commitment to expanding army-to-army cooperation. […]