On October 9, 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of Australia, Ms Penny Wong, in Canberra. They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and enhancing cooperation in defence, security, and regional stability. Shri Singh emphasized the growing friendship between India and Australia, built on mutual trust and shared democratic principles. Ms. Wong praised the contribution of the Indian diaspora to Australian society. Shri Singh also paid homage to fallen heroes at the Australian War Memorial, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Fallen Soldier, honouring Indian soldiers who fought alongside their Australian comrades. Raksha Mantri was welcomed at the Australian Parliament by Speaker Milton Dick, and greeted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other Members of Parliament. The release ID is 2177083.
Key Entities Referenced
Raksha Mantri: Indian Minister of Defence
Australia: Country engaging in bilateral meetings with India
Canberra: Location of the bilateral meeting and homage to fallen heroes.
India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Bilateral agreement being strengthened.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri holds bilateral meeting with Australian
Foreign Minister in Canberra
Raksha Mantri pays Homage to the Fallen Heroes at
Australian WarMemorial by Laying a Wreath at Tomb
of the Fallen Soldier
Posted On: 09 OCT 2025 9:18PM by PIB Delhi
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of Australia, Ms Penny
Wong, in Canberra on October 9, 2025. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the
India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and enhancing cooperation in defence, security and
regional stability.
Shri Rajnath Singh underlined the growing ‘dosti’ (friendship) between India & Australia, built on mutual
trust and shared democratic principles rather than transactional interests. Ms Wong praised the significant
contribution of the vibrant Indian diaspora to Australian society and emphasised that while the two nations are
geographically distant, their perspectives & values remain closely aligned.
Shri Rajnath Singh also paid homage to the fallen heroes at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra by
laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Fallen Soldier. He honoured the memory of Indian soldiers who fought
valiantly alongside their Australian comrades in distant lands, symbolising the enduring camaraderie and
shared sacrifices between the Armed Forces of the two nations.
Earlier in the day, the Raksha Mantri was accorded a warm welcome in the Australian Parliament. The
Speaker of the Parliament, Mr Milton Dick, welcomed Shri Rajnath Singh as a distinguished visitor. Several
Australian Members of Parliament, including the Prime Minister of Australia Mr Anthony Albanese, greeted
the Raksha Mantri and exchanged pleasantries, reflecting the warmth & strength of the bilateral partnership.*****
VK/SR/KB
(Release ID: 2177083)