At the maiden India-Australia Defence Industry Business Round Table in Sydney, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh invites Australian firms to co-develop high-end defence systems, marking a strategic leap under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership 2020.
NFAPost, Bengaluru: In a defining moment for the Indo-Pacific strategic landscape, India and Australia have taken a significant step toward deepening their defence industrial partnership. Addressing the maiden India-Australia Defence Industry Business Round Table in Sydney, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh reaffirmed the growing synergy between the two nations across strategic, industrial, and technological domains, calling for a shift from partnership to co-creation.
“Under the banner of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2020, we stand at a pivotal juncture to re-position our defence relations — not merely as partners, but as co-creators of a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” said the Raksha Mantri, setting the tone for what he termed a declaration of intent to make India and Australia natural allies in business, industry and innovation.
Shared Democratic Foundations, Strategic Alignment
Recalling a series of high-level engagements — including the India-Australia Summit (November 2024), the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue (October 2024), and the visit of the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister to India (June 2025) — Rajnath Singh said these interactions have cemented the foundation of the bilateral relationship.
“Both India and Australia are part of the Commonwealth of Nations. Our shared history is built on democracy, diversity, liberty, and similar governance structures,” he noted.
The Minister emphasized that the India-Australia relationship is anchored on three pillars — robust government-to-government collaboration, people-to-people connect, and convergence of business interests. “While our governmental and people-to-people frameworks are strong, our industrial partnership — based on joint R&D, innovation, co-creation, and co-production — still has untapped potential,” he said.
India’s Defence Industry on a Growth Trajectory
Highlighting India’s economic transformation and manufacturing strength, Rajnath Singh underscored that the country is the world’s fourth-largest economy and the fastest-growing large economy.
“Our defence production touched ₹1.51 lakh crore (about USD 18 billion) last financial year — an 18% increase over the previous year. Defence exports reached ₹23,622 crore (USD 2.76 billion), with Indian firms now exporting to nearly 100 countries,” he stated.
These figures, he said, reflect India’s growing self-reliance and global competitiveness, particularly under the government’s flagship Make in India and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, which have created a conducive ecosystem for innovation and investment.
Private Sector R&D and Global Partnerships
To foster innovation, the Defence Minister highlighted a series of reforms designed to empower private industry participation in defence research.
“To accelerate defence R&D in the private sector, we have opened avenues for free-of-cost technology transfer through DRDO. There are attractive schemes for the development of cutting-edge technologies, and they are yielding excellent results,” he said.
He also pointed to ongoing collaboration between DRDO and Australia’s Defence Science & Technology Group, covering areas such as towed array sensors, quantum technology, AI, cybersecurity, and information warfare.
A Call for Industrial Collaboration
Rajnath Singh extended a strong invitation to Australian companies to partner in developing and producing advanced defence technologies.
“India welcomes Australian companies to co-develop and co-produce high-end systems, including propulsion technologies, autonomous underwater vehicles, flight simulators, and advanced materials,” he said, adding that these ventures could help build interoperable platforms aligned with the strategic objectives of both nations.
The Minister also pointed to India’s shipbuilding expertise as a potential area of collaboration, noting that Indian shipyards have a proven record in building and maintaining diverse naval platforms. “Indian yards can offer refits, mid-life upgrades, and maintenance services to the Royal Australian Navy and vessels under Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program,” he added.
Complementary Strengths and Success Stories
Rajnath Singh emphasized that both nations bring unique strengths to the table — Australia excels in quantum systems, autonomous maritime technologies, and advanced surveillance, while India offers scale, software capability, and manufacturing depth in shipbuilding, missile systems, and space.
He cited existing industrial partnerships such as Indo-MIM Pvt. Ltd. with Thales Australia, Tata Advanced Systems with W&E Platt Pty Ltd, and Munitions India Ltd. with Aquasport, as examples of successful cooperation.
“These collaborations show how our industrial ecosystems complement each other. Businesses are the driving force behind our governments’ strategic intent, and this list will only grow larger,” he said confidently.
Towards a Resilient and Self-Reliant Indo-Pacific
Welcoming Australia’s proposal for a Reciprocal Provision of Defence Articles and Services MoU, the Minister noted that Australia’s decision to designate India as a Top Tier Partner removes regulatory hurdles and facilitates easier technology sharing. “This is a testament to the trust and confidence that bind us,” he said.
Rajnath Singh identified vast opportunities for co-production of naval vessels and subsystems, ship repair and MRO support, joint R&D in autonomous systems, and green shipbuilding technologies.
“By diversifying supply chains, building joint capacities, and investing in innovation, India and Australia can together contribute to a resilient, secure, and self-reliant Indo-Pacific,” he underscored.
A Strategic, Not Just Economic, Partnership
Concluding his address, the Defence Minister issued a clear and compelling invitation to the Australian industry:
“I invite the Australian business community to invest, collaborate, and innovate with India. Together, we can develop cutting-edge technologies, build advanced platforms, and ensure that our industries are not just suppliers, but strategic enablers of peace and security in the region.”
He described the India-Australia defence relationship as being at a defining moment, where the convergence of strategic interests, industrial energy, and visionary leadership offers both nations a chance to shape the future together.
About the Round Table
The Round Table was jointly organised by the Ministry of Defence (Government of India), the Australian Department of Defence, Newland Global Group, and the Australia-India Business Council. The event saw participation from Mr Peter Khalil, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Defence, along with senior government officials, diplomats, industry leaders, research institutions, and innovators from both nations — symbolising the growing momentum behind India-Australia defence cooperation.
