The Australian Deputy PM called India one of Australia’s closest Security Partners ahead of his visit to the country. His visit to India is planned for 20-23rd July. This will be the first high-level meeting between the countries after the formation of a new Australian Government under Anthony Albanese in May.
India is one of Australia’s closest security mates and the government is concentrating on revitalizing Australia’s historically deep engagement with our mates across the Indo- Pacific, said Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Australia Richard Marles ahead of a visit to India. The visit is listed from June 20 to 23.
First Meeting After the New Australian Government
This is the first high-position visit from Australia after the confirmation of a new government under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in May, just two days before the quadrangle leaders’ peak in Tokyo where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Defense and security cooperation between India and Australia has significantly expanded in the last many times, both in bilateral as well as multinational situations.
“The rules- predicated international order that has brought peace and substance to the Indo- Pacific for decades is passing pressure, as we face shifts in the geostrategic order,”
Mr. Marles said in a statement issued by the Australian Defense Ministry. “Australia stands ready to work closely with India in support of an open, inclusive, and flexible Indo- Pacific”.
Noting that India and Australia are comprehensive strategic mates, Mr. Marles said he was committed to strengthening Australia’s defense and security cooperation with India. “ 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 necessary for advancing India- Australia defense ties and I look forward to working with him to enhance the defense pillar of our comprehensive strategic cooperation,” he further added.
During the visit, Mr. Marles is also listed to meet External Affairs Minister S.Jaishankar and engage public security and defense policymakers and the labor force, the statement said.
