Indian Defence Minister Highlights Cultural Ties in Sydney Temple Visit
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh combines cultural diplomacy with strategic engagement during his Sydney visit, highlighting Indo-Australian ties while offering prayers at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh performs aarti at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sydney
Defence Minister Singh Strengthens Indo-Australian Relations During Sydney Visit
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh offered prayers at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sydney on Friday, emphasizing the universal principles of Dharma while advancing bilateral defence cooperation between India and Australia.
Cultural Diplomacy and Strategic Partnership
Singh, who was warmly welcomed by children singing devotional hymns, defined Dharma as a principle that ensures protection of both animate and inanimate elements of the universe, along with safeguarding rules, regulations, and laws. This cultural engagement comes amid strengthening defence relationships between the two Indo-Pacific nations.
"That which guarantees the protection of the animate or inanimate of this entire universe is called Dharma," Singh explained to the gathering.
Productive Bilateral Meetings
During his two-day official visit, Singh held significant discussions with Australian leadership, including:
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
- Deputy Prime Minister
- Minister for Foreign Affairs
Strategic Developments
The visit has yielded substantial progress in defence cooperation, with Singh co-chairing the India-Australia Defence Industry Round Table alongside Assistant Minister Peter Khalil. This follows recent technological collaborations between the two nations in various strategic sectors.
India's Growing Global Influence
Singh highlighted India's transformation from historical challenges to its current position of strength, noting Prime Minister Albanese's recognition of India's rapid development and growing international influence. The Defence Minister emphasized how India has overcome past economic struggles to emerge as a confident global player.
Jack Thompson
Reporter based in Sydney, Jack covers climate issues, migration policies, and Australia's Indo-Pacific strategy.