Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles on Monday declared that India and Australia have “never been more strategically aligned” and that their defence ties are “at a high-water mark.”

He made these remarks during bilateral talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi ahead of the second India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue. His comments underscored the unprecedented level of strategic convergence between the two nations, built on deep trust and shared security interests.

Marles emphasised the growing institutionalisation of defence ties, noting the establishment of an annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogue as a significant achievement. He expressed his pleasure at being back in India, recalling the inaugural dialogue held in Canberra in October 2025, and welcomed the continuation of ministerial-level engagement. He described the dialogue as a milestone in elevating the bilateral defence relationship, highlighting how regular meetings now form part of the framework of cooperation.

He pointed to concrete outcomes from the partnership, including the information-sharing arrangement signed during the inaugural dialogue last year. Marles noted that this agreement had already yielded substantial progress in its implementation.

He also highlighted expanded cooperation across defence domains, including joint exercises, maritime operations, and defence industry collaboration. He stressed that both countries were doing more in the maritime domain and defence industry, which would be discussed further in the substantive meeting.

Marles reiterated that the partnership had reached an unprecedented level of alignment, underpinned by strategic trust. He described the current moment as the high-water mark in the history of India-Australia defence relations. His remarks reflected the shared vision of both nations to strengthen cooperation and interoperability in the face of evolving regional challenges.

Adding a cultural touch, Marles drew a light-hearted reference to cricket and the Indian Premier League, noting how sporting ties symbolise the broader relationship. He recalled that during his visit last year, the IPL final had just concluded, and this year again the tournament had ended the previous night.

He mentioned Royal Challengers Bangalore’s triumph, with Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 75 alongside Australian players Josh Hazlewood and Tim David, describing it as emblematic of the bilateral relationship.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Richard Marles are co-chairing the second Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi. According to the Ministry of Defence, the meeting will review progress in bilateral defence cooperation and identify new avenues for collaboration.

Discussions will focus on strengthening defence and security cooperation, enhancing military interoperability, industry collaboration including co-development and co-production opportunities, and regional and global security developments of mutual interest.

The dialogue is expected to further strengthen bilateral defence relations, enhance strategic trust, and promote stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. It will also identify new areas of collaboration in defence and security, reinforcing the momentum of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Marles’ visit follows the inaugural dialogue in Australia in October 2025, reflecting the steady growth of defence ties between the two nations.

ANI