Rajnath Singh Pays Tribute to Indian Soldiers at Australian War Memorial in Canberra

Canberra (Australia), October 9, 2025: India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid solemn tribute at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Thursday, honouring the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who fought alongside Australian troops in various global conflicts.

Sharing photographs from his visit on social media, Singh wrote that the memorial stands as a lasting symbol of “courage and sacrifice in defence of the values of freedom and democracy cherished by both nations.”
He further noted, “Honoured the memory of Indian soldiers who fought valiantly in distant lands with their Australian mates. Their sacrifice reflects an indomitable spirit of courage and duty — a legacy that continues to bind India and Australia through shared values and history.”

Earlier in the day, the Defence Minister held a bilateral meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, focusing on advancing strategic and defence cooperation between the two nations. Singh also met Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who reaffirmed that the India-Australia defence partnership is founded on mutual trust, shared strategic interests, and a commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Albanese remarked, “Australia and India’s defence partnership keeps getting stronger — built on trust, shared interests, and a commitment to a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

During the visit, India and Australia signed key defence agreements aimed at deepening operational cooperation between their armed forces. Describing the development as a “hugely significant step,” Deputy PM Marles said the agreement reflects “a deeper level of engagement and trust” between the two militaries, paving the way for regular staff talks between operational commands.

Rajnath Singh’s visit to Australia marks a milestone in the growing defence and strategic partnership between the two democracies, which continue to collaborate closely in ensuring security and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.