The address delivered by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at the inaugural India-Australia Defence Industry Business Round Table in Sydney represented a significant turning point in the bilateral defence collaboration between India and Australia. This event served as a landmark in establishing the two countries as joint architects of security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the strengthening strategic, industrial, and technological alliance that has developed swiftly in recent years.
Historic Context and Strategic Significance
Shri Rajnath Singh underscored the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, initiated in 2020, as the cornerstone for this new chapter in Indo-Australian defence relations. He pointed out that both nations—anchored in democracy, diversity, liberty, and governance parallels as Commonwealth members—are now positioned at a crucial crossroads to re-envision their relationship not just as partners, but as "co-creators of a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific."
High-level engagements over the past year have propelled this momentum. Singh reminisced about the India-Australia Summit in November 2024, the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in October 2024, visits from Australian defence leaders to India, and his own ongoing trip to Australia. This sequence of interactions has fostered trust, mutual respect, and a collective vision for the roles of both nations in the region.
Key Pillars of Bilateral Defence Relations
Shri Rajnath Singh identified three foundational pillars that will bolster this growing partnership:
1. Forward-looking government-to-government collaboration.
2. Strong people-to-people connections, driven by a dynamic Indian diaspora in Australia and increasing Australian involvement in India.
3. Alignment of business interests, particularly in defence manufacturing, emerging technologies, and industrial innovation.
Singh stated, "Our defence industrial partnership, founded on joint R&D, innovation, co-creation, and co-production, still possesses untapped potential," emphasizing the significant economic and strategic motivations for collaboration. Economic Achievements and Opportunities.
India’s recent economic and industrial progress has set the stage for enhanced cooperation. Singh remarked: India ranks as the world’s fourth-largest economy and is the fastest-growing among major nations. Defence production reached ₹1.51 lakh crore (approximately USD 18 billion) last year, marking an 18% increase from the previous year. Defence exports surged to ₹23,622 crore (around USD 2.76 billion), with Indian firms now exporting to nearly 100 countries. Indian policy reforms, such as Make in India, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, and liberalized FDI regulations (allowing up to 74% under the automatic route for defence), have positioned India as an appealing destination for global defence manufacturing, innovation, and research and development.
Outcomes and Strategic Decisions
Several significant decisions and outcomes arose from the Round Table: Singh extended an invitation to Australian companies to collaborate in the co-development and co-production of advanced military systems, including propulsion technology, autonomous underwater vehicles, flight simulators, and advanced materials. Australia was encouraged to pursue a reciprocal defence articles and services agreement, a step aimed at facilitating smoother technology sharing between the two nations. Singh emphasized Australia’s expertise in quantum systems and maritime surveillance technology, alongside India’s domestic capabilities in shipbuilding, missile technology, and space. Discussions on collaboration in cutting-edge technologies took place, focusing on research and development between India’s DRDO and Australia’s Defence Science & Technology Group, particularly in quantum technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced sensing. Singh stated, “This Round Table is not merely a dialogue. It is a declaration of intent to establish India and Australia as natural allies in business, industry, and innovation.”
Engagements Beyond the Round Table
On the sidelines of the round table: Shri Rajnath Singh, accompanied by his Australian counterpart Peter Khalil, visited the strategic naval facility HMAS Kuttabul in Sydney, symbolizing the operational depth of maritime corporation.
He also engaged with the Indian community in Sydney, recognizing their contribution to enhancing the cultural and economic connection between India and Australia. Delivered Statements and Visions A defining statement by Shri Rajnath Singh encapsulated the essence: "Under the banner of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2020, we find ourselves at a crucial turning point to re-position our defense relations, not just as partners, but as co-creators of a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. This Round Table is not simply a dialogue; it is a declaration of intent to establish India and Australia as natural allies in business, industry, and innovation."
Conclusion
The inaugural India-Australia Defence Industry Business Round Table in Sydney, led by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, signifies a significant advancement. It merges economic opportunity, strategic alignment, and technological ambition—establishing a strong path for enduring cooperation between India and Australia as pillars of Indo-Pacific security and prosperity.
