Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles in New Delhi on Wednesday to strengthen strategic defence cooperation and address pressing regional and global security challenges.
According to an official statement, the meeting will focus on enhancing defence ties between the two countries, with particular emphasis on ensuring peace, stability, and adherence to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Ministry of Defence posted on X: “Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will meet Australian Deputy Prime Minister & Defence Minister Richard Marles MP in New Delhi today, to discuss regional and global security issues and deepen Defence Cooperation. Defence and security are key pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
Richard Marles is on a regional tour from June 2 to 5, visiting the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia to bolster Australia’s defence diplomacy and regional partnerships.
In earlier stops, Marles discussed Australia’s continued support for sovereign capability development in both the Maldives and Sri Lanka. His visit to Indonesia will focus on reaffirming bilateral commitments to maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Ahead of his tour, Marles stated, “Australia values our relationships with neighbours in the Indo-Pacific. Our deepening cooperation is at the heart of Australia’s approach to ensure the region remains open, inclusive and resilient.”
He added that he looks forward to “productive discussions on how we can work together to shape a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region that is respectful of sovereignty.”
Notably, on May 23, Rajnath Singh had congratulated Marles on his reappointment as Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, reaffirming the robust and growing ties between the two nations.