Canberra, Oct 9 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in "productive" bilateral discussions with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles on Thursday, aimed at discovering new pathways to enhance defence collaboration between the two countries.

Post-meeting, Prime Minister Albanese took to social media, stating, "The defence partnership between Australia and India is becoming increasingly robust -- founded on trust, shared interests, and a commitment to a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. It was a pleasure to meet with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his inaugural visit to Australia for the first-ever Australia-India Defence Ministers' Dialogue."

Singh characterized his engagement with Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Marles as "productive," emphasizing that both parties evaluated the "comprehensive range of India-Australia defence cooperation, covering defence industry, cyber defence, maritime security, and regional challenges."

He stressed the significance of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

"I underscored the swift expansion of India's defence industry and its rising reputation as a reliable provider of high-quality defence technology globally. We explored the potential for deeper defence industry collaborations between India and Australia," Singh mentioned in a post on X.

Expressing gratitude for Australia’s unwavering support against cross-border terrorism and for regional stability, Singh noted, "Together, we will enhance cooperation for a free, open, and resilient Indo-Pacific."

Marles also shared insights from the meeting on X, stating, "A productive meeting at the inaugural Australia-India Defence Ministers' Dialogue with Rajnath Singh at Parliament House this morning. This marks the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister to Australia in 12 years, and it was fantastic to elevate our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership."

He added, "As premier security partners, we have agreed to enhance dialogue, cooperation, and the complexity of joint and multilateral exercises across our armed forces."

This visit is a notable achievement as India and Australia commemorate five years of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).

It also represents the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister to Australia under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration since 2014.

Singh is also set to attend a business roundtable in Sydney, where industry leaders from both nations will explore collaborative opportunities in the defence and strategic sectors.

The Ministry of Defence stated that this visit presents a crucial opportunity for both nations to identify new and meaningful initiatives to further solidify their bilateral and defence relationship.

"During the visit, three agreements are expected to be signed, which will enhance cooperation in information sharing, maritime domain, and joint activities," the ministry mentioned in a statement.

The India-Australia defence alliance has progressively strengthened in recent years, featuring extensive engagements across all three military services, including joint exercises, capacity-building initiatives, high-level visits, and ship exchanges.

The partnership also encompasses military training programs and collaborative efforts in maritime security and domain awareness.

According to the defence ministry, the bilateral relationship between India and Australia has transitioned from a Strategic Partnership in 2009 to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020. Both nations share a profound connection based on common values: pluralistic, Westminster-style democracies, Commonwealth traditions, growing economic ties, and increasing high-level interactions.