Anita, Melbourne : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles will co-chair the second India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi today, June 1, 2026. The high-level meeting is set to focus heavily on expanding strategic and defence cooperation between the two nations.
According to an official statement from the Ministry of Defence, the dialogue will comprehensively review the progress of bilateral defence ties and explore fresh avenues for collaboration. Key areas high on the agenda include strengthening mutual security cooperation, enhancing military interoperability, boosting defence industry partnerships, and actively exploring co-development and co-production opportunities. The two leaders will also exchange views on pressing regional and global security developments of mutual interest.
The summit is expected to further deepen strategic trust, fortify defence relations, and contribute to long-term peace, stability, and security across the critical Indo-Pacific region.
Minister Marles’ visit follows the inaugural India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue held in Australia in October 2025, reflecting the accelerating momentum in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two democratic nations. Australia remains a foundational partner in India’s vision of a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, with both countries steadily expanding cooperation across strategic, economic, and security domains. Officials note that today’s visit will further reinforce the depth and maturity of the India-Australia defence partnership.
