Rajnath Singh, Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles discuss closer cooperation in Indo-Pacific

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday held talks with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Richard Marles. The two leaders reviewed issues related to defence cooperation and the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Australia.

In a post on X, Rajnath Singh said, “Spoke with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Mr. @RichardMarlesMP. We reviewed a range of issues pertaining to defence cooperation and discussed closer collaboration between India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific. We place great value on the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”

The two ministers noted the transformative progress in defence cooperation under the comprehensive strategic partnership and appreciated the momentum achieved in the ties since the last India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, which they attended in November 2023, according to a press release from the Ministry of Defence.

“Australia considers India a top-tier security partner in their National Defence Strategy document released in 2024,” the statement said.

According to the Indian High Commission in Canberra, ties between India and Australia have witnessed transformational growth in recent years.

Earlier in June, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed gratitude to his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, for coordinating with India in delivering Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to the landslide-affected Enga Province in Papua New Guinea.

(With ANI input)