MELBOURNE, 20 June 2022: Richard Marles, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister & Defence Minister arrived in India today, starting his three-day (20-23 June 2022) visit. The Australian Minister will meet India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for the two countries’ first Bilateral Defence Ministers Meeting. The meeting is likely to further warm-up Australia-India defence releations and collaboration in the Indo-Pacific. Mr Richard Marles will also meet Indian Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar and engage with national security and defence policymakers and personnel.
In a Tweet, Mr Richard Marles said, ” I look forward to advancing our ongoing defence engagement as Comprehensive Strategic Partners and reiterate our commitment for closer cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.”
A media release posted on The Australian Deputy Prime Minister’s site says:
“Australia and India are Comprehensive Strategic Partners. I am committed to strengthening Australia’s defence and security cooperation with India,” Deputy Prime Minister Marles said.
“I am looking forward to meeting with my counterpart, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and holding our first bilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting.
“Minister Singh has been instrumental in advancing India-Australia defence ties and I look forward to working with him to enhance the defence pillar of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Deputy Prime Minister Marles said.
The Deputy Prime Minister said India is one of Australia’s closest security partners and the Government is focused on revitalising Australia’s historically deep engagement with our partners across the Indo-Pacific.
“The rules-based international order that has brought peace and prosperity to the Indo-Pacific for decades is experiencing pressure, as we face shifts in the geostrategic order,” Deputy Prime Minister Marles said.
“Australia stands ready to work closely with India in support of an open, inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific”.
Welcoming the Australian Defence Minister’s visit to India, Mr Joe Williams, Australia India Business Council (AIBC) National Chair for the Defence and Security Industry Chapter in a statement says “The Australian Defence Industry is growing fast and Australia is now home to leading global defence companies, a thriving network of SMEs and a deep commitment to building a job-ready defence workforce. Understanding the opportunities and establishing key partnerships are Mantras of success in the Australian-Indian Defence and Security engagements moving forward.”
During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister Marles will also meet External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and engage national security and defence policymakers and personnel.
Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022, Defence’s flagship engagement activity, returns to India this year. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of India’s independence.
UPDATED – 21 June 2022, 5.13 pm, Melbourne.
