India and Australia continue to deepen their defence and strategic partnership, transforming a long-standing friendship into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership grounded in shared democratic values, mutual trust, and collaboration across diverse sectors. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted this evolution at the India-Australia Defence Industry Round Table in Sydney, co-chaired with Australia’s Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil.
Singh noted that the bilateral relationship has grown substantially in recent years through sustained high-level engagements, including the India-Australia Summit in November 2024, the 2+2 Dialogue in October 2024, and reciprocal ministerial visits. These interactions have strengthened strategic alignment and broadened cooperation in government, people-to-people exchanges, and industrial partnerships.
Highlighting the significant Indian diaspora of over one million in Australia, Singh emphasised that human connections, combined with expanding trade and technology collaboration, provide a strong foundation for the partnership. However, he noted that defence industrial collaboration through joint research, innovation, and co-production remains an area with enormous untapped potential.
India and Australia are natural partners, Singh remarked, strategically and economically. India’s expertise in software, advanced manufacturing, and technology, paired with Australia’s innovation and research capabilities, creates an ideal environment to co-develop next-generation defence solutions. He described the Round Table as a “catalyst for unlocking unrealised potential,” noting India’s rapid industrial transformation offers fresh avenues for international cooperation.
Singh extended an invitation to Australian companies to engage with Indian businesses in co-developing and producing high-end systems such as propulsion technologies, autonomous underwater vehicles, flight simulators, and advanced materials. Joint ventures, he added, would facilitate interoperable platforms aligned with both nations’ strategic objectives.
India’s defence sector has demonstrated remarkable growth. The country is the world’s fourth-largest economy and the fastest-growing major economy, maintaining steady expansion despite global challenges. In 2023-24, defence production reached USD 18 billion, up 18% from the previous year, while defence exports hit USD 2.7 billion. Initiatives like Make in India, Production-Linked Incentive schemes, and liberalised FDI policies allowing up to 74% foreign investment have made India a highly attractive destination for defence manufacturing and R&D.
The Round Table was attended by India’s High Commissioner to Australia, senior naval and air force officials, and industry representatives from both nations, highlighting a shared commitment to advancing defence collaboration and fostering innovative joint ventures.
