Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday addressed the maiden India-Australia Defence Industry Business Round Table in Sydney, reaffirming the growing synergy between the two nations across strategic, industrial, and technological domains.
Speaking at the event, Singh said, “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.” He added, “This Round Table is not merely a dialogue, it is a declaration of intent to make India and Australia natural allies in business, industry and innovation.”
Highlighting the foundation of bilateral ties, Rajnath Singh recalled a series of high-level engagements, including the India-Australia Summit in November 2024, the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in October 2024, the visit of the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister to India in June 2025, and his own ongoing visit to Australia. “Both India and Australia are part of the Commonwealth of Nations. Our shared history is built on democracy, diversity, liberty, and similar governance structures,” he said.
The Defence Minister emphasized that strong bilateral ties rest on three pillars: government-to-government collaboration, people-to-people connect, and convergence of business interests. “Our defence industrial partnership, based on joint R&D, innovation, co-creation and co-production, still has untapped potential,” Singh noted.
Singh highlighted India’s economic and industrial achievements: “India is globally the fourth-largest economy and the fastest-growing large economy in the world. Our defence production touched Rs 1.51 lakh crore (USD 18 billion) last financial year, an 18% increase from the previous year. Defence exports reached Rs 23,622 crore (USD 2.76 billion), with Indian companies now exporting to nearly 100 countries.”
Calling for closer industrial collaboration, he said, “I see this forum as an important instrument to make India and Australia natural allies in business and industry too. This alliance has compelling economic reasons to be successful and mutually beneficial.”
Singh highlighted opportunities for co-development in high-end defence systems, including propulsion technologies, autonomous underwater vehicles, flight simulators, advanced materials, and shipbuilding. “Our shipyards have a proven track record in building and maintaining a wide range of naval platforms. Indian yards can offer refit, mid-life upgrades, and maintenance services to the Royal Australian Navy and vessels under Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program,” he added.
He also welcomed Australia’s proposal for a reciprocal provision of defence articles and services MoU, calling it a testament to mutual trust. “Importantly, Australia has identified India as a Top Tier Partner, removing certain regulatory barriers to enable easier technology sharing,” Singh noted.
The Round Table was jointly organised by the Ministry of Defence (India), the Australian Department of Defence, Newland Global Group, and the Australia-India Business Council. It was attended by Assistant Minister for Defence of Australia Peter Khalil, India’s High Commissioner to Australia Gopal Baglay, senior military officials, diplomats, and industry representatives.
Singh concluded by urging the Australian business community to collaborate and innovate with India: “Together, we can develop cutting-edge technologies, build advanced platforms, and ensure our industries are strategic enablers of peace and security in the region. This is an opportunity to build a partnership that is not only economically beneficial but also strategically transformative.”