Defence Ministers Meet in Cebu: India-Australia Security Talks

Cebu, Philippines: India and Australia used a high-level gathering in the Philippines to discuss defence cooperation and regional security. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the ADMM-Plus meeting.

The bilateral meeting reviewed existing defence collaboration between the two nations. Officials and leaders also explored ways to improve coordination between their armed forces and to respond to challenges that affect the wider region.

Singh said the talks were useful and reflected a shared commitment to furthering defence partnership. He observed that closer coordination between the two militaries could support joint military activities and missions in the future.

He also highlighted the importance India attaches to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Australia. Singh said India considers this relationship vital to building a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific. The discussion on regional security also created room for both countries to work together on maintaining peace and stability.

Singh is in the Philippines for the 13th ADMM-Plus meeting, which is being held in Cebu on October 28 and 29. The forum brings together defence ministers from ASEAN countries and eight dialogue partners to discuss defence and security matters. India continues to play an active part in advancing regional cooperation and stability through the mechanism.

In a separate meeting in Cebu, Singh held talks with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. The two sides emphasised cooperation in defence technology, information sharing and joint production. They also reviewed progress made under the 10-year India-US defence framework.