Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, has reached India to participate in his first bilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting. He tweeted a photo of himself performing early morning yoga: “In early morning start with some yoga, ahead of a busy couple of days here in India.”
Deputy Prime Minister Marles said in a statement that he is looking forward to meet with India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh:
“Australia and India are Comprehensive Strategic Partners. I am committed to strengthening Australia’s defence and security cooperation with India. 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.”
The Deputy Prime Minister further said India is one of Australia’s closest security partners and Labor government is focused on revitalising Australia’s historically deep engagement. Deputy Prime Minister Marles added:
“Australia stands ready to work closer with India in support of an open, inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific”.
During his visit from 20-23 June 2022, Deputy Prime Minister Marles will also meet India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar. This meeting is expected to discuss national security and defence policymakers.
The meetings are held under the Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022, Australian Defence’s flagship engagement activity.
