Sydney, Oct 8 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has landed in Sydney on Wednesday for a two-day official visit to Australia, greeted by the Indian High Commissioner, Gopal Baglay.

This trip is made at the invitation of Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles.

The timing of this visit is particularly significant as India and Australia celebrate five years of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). This marks the inaugural visit of a Defence Minister to Australia under the current administration led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014.

The Defence Minister's Office shared on social media, "Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reaches Sydney on an official visit to Australia. He was welcomed by the Indian High Commissioner to Australia, Shri Gopal Baglay."

During his stay, Singh will engage in bilateral discussions with his Australian counterpart and host a business roundtable in Sydney, inviting industry leaders from both nations. He is also scheduled to meet with other key national figures from Australia.

Before his trip, Rajnath Singh posted on social media, "At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, I am visiting Australia to continue our discussions and exchange perspectives on shared interests. I also look forward to meeting with other national leaders in Australia to explore avenues for cooperation between our countries. This visit coincides with a historic milestone as we celebrate five years of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). I hope to further enhance our partnership."

The Ministry of Defence emphasized that this visit represents a vital opportunity for both nations to identify new and impactful initiatives aimed at strengthening their bilateral relations and defence collaboration. "During the visit, three agreements are expected to be signed, enhancing cooperation in the realms of information sharing, maritime domains, and joint exercises," the Ministry of Defence stated.

Defence interactions between India and Australia have expanded significantly, encompassing a range of military exchanges, high-level visits, capacity-building initiatives, and cooperation in maritime activities.

India and Australia upgraded their bilateral ties from a Strategic Partnership in 2009 to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2020. The two nations share a profound connection based on common values, including pluralistic democracies, Commonwealth traditions, and increasing economic engagement. The longstanding connections between their peoples, the presence of Indian students in Australian universities, and strong tourism and sports ties have further solidified this enduring partnership.

Earlier this year, Richard Marles visited India, where he held a bilateral meeting with Defence Minister Singh in New Delhi. Both ministers condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and expressed condolences to the victims' families. Singh emphasized India's right to self-defence against cross-border terrorism, describing New Delhi's actions towards Pakistan as measured and responsible. Both sides agreed to collaborate in combating terrorism in all its forms.