India and Australia on Monday hailed the rapidly expanding strategic convergence, with both nations declaring that bilateral defence relations have reached unprecedented levels amid growing geopolitical shifts in the Indo-Pacific region. The strong messaging came during the second India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue held in New Delhi between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles.
The high-level dialogue focused on deepening military cooperation, boosting defence industry collaboration and strengthening strategic coordination as both countries seek to reinforce security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific amid evolving regional challenges.
Had an excellent meeting with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Mr. Richard Marles in New Delhi. Together we reviewed the full range of bilateral defence cooperation and discussed ways and means to enhance it further.
The India-Australia Defence Partnership… pic.twitter.com/tls1ErDR9R
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 1, 2026
‘Several milestones achieved since October 2025’: Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the relationship between New Delhi and Canberra has witnessed major expansion since the launch of the annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogue last year.
Addressing the bilateral meeting, Rajnath Singh said defence engagements between the two countries have grown significantly, with several milestones achieved since October 2025.
He recalled his earlier discussions with Richard Marles during the inaugural dialogue in Australia and termed the annual mechanism as a crucial platform for reviewing progress and shaping the future direction of defence cooperation.
Rajnath Singh also acknowledged the role played by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in strengthening bilateral strategic engagement and praised recent defence leadership appointments in Australia, including the appointment of the country’s first woman Defence Secretary and first female armed chief.
‘Never been more strategically aligned’: Australian Deputy PM
Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said that the India-Australia partnership is at its strongest point in recent years, asserting that the two countries have “never been more strategically aligned.”
Speaking during the talks, Marles said the defence relationship between the two nations had entered a new phase of institutionalisation with the establishment of the annual ministerial dialogue framework.
He termed the growing cooperation between Canberra and New Delhi as a reflection of rising strategic trust and shared security priorities in the Indo-Pacific.
Marles also said it was a privilege to return to India for discussions aimed at taking bilateral defence cooperation to a higher level.
Had an excellent meeting with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Mr. Richard Marles in New Delhi. Together we reviewed the full range of bilateral defence cooperation and discussed ways and means to enhance it further.
The India-Australia Defence Partnership… pic.twitter.com/tls1ErDR9R
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 1, 2026
Focus on Indo-Pacific security
The discussions between the two sides covered a wide range of strategic and military issues, including operational interoperability, defence technology cooperation, industry partnerships and regional security concerns.
According to the Ministry of Defence, both sides explored possibilities for co-development and co-production in the defence sector while also reviewing progress in ongoing military cooperation initiatives.
The meeting additionally examined broader geopolitical developments affecting regional stability and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
India and Australia have steadily intensified defence engagement over the past few years through joint military exercises, maritime cooperation and strategic coordination across multiple forums.