Australian minister on India visit to boost defence ties

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles will be on a visit to India to hold a bilateral meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to strengthen defence and security cooperation between both the countries.
His visit marks the first high-level visit from Australia after newly-elected prime minister Anthony Albanese took office on May 23. During his visit from June 20-23, Defence Minister Marles will hold his first bilateral Defence Ministers' meeting with Union Minister Rajnath Singh.
"Australia and India are Comprehensive Strategic Partners. I am committed to strengthening Australia's defence and security cooperation with India," said Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles.
"I am looking forward to meeting with my counterpart, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and holding our first bilateral Defence Ministers' Meeting," he added.
"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 Minister also noted that 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".
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.

(ANI)