Ahead of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Australia, which will be the first by an Indian minister since 2012, Australian High Commissioner Philip Green said on Monday that the shift in the India-Australia defence partnership is “truly seismic” and the visit is an opportunity to enhance strategic dialogue and information-sharing. Rajnath will be on a two-day visit to Australia, starting October 9. Congress leader A K Antony was the last defence minister to visit Australia in 2012. During Singh’s visit, India and Australia are set to sign three pacts pertaining to information-sharing, submarine rescue and joint staff talks. “The visit of the Honourable Raksha Mantri to Australia is truly historic. It marks the first visit to Australia by an Indian Minister of Defence in twelve years, and the first by a Minister of Defence in Prime Minister Modi’s government,” Green said. “India is an indispensable security partner for Australia and our defence cooperation delivers tangible effects to uphold Indo-Pacific stability. This visit is a unique opportunity to deepen our defence partnership, including though enhancing strategic dialogue and information-sharing, and increasing the complexity of our exercises.” “This is the fastest uptick in a major power relationship Australia has ever experienced. there is more collaboration and activities than ever before,” the Australian envoy said. Since defence partnership expands each other’s autonomy, options and capabilities, the Air-to-Air Refuelling Implementing Arrangement – India’s first with any partner – has elevated the interoperability. During his visit, Singh will witness an air-to-air refuelling demonstration on a RAAF KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker. Australia is also a strong supporter of India’s defence industry ambitions. Its first defence trade mission to India is occurring this week in Chennai and New Delhi. Singh and Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles will advance two key commitments — renewed Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, and a joint Maritime Security Collaboration roadmap to advance defence cooperation over the next decade.
