In his second overseas trip since taking over as Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles visited India where he had a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh.
On Wednesday, the defence ministers of the two countries issued a joint statement stating that the bilateral meeting reviewed the existing defence cooperation activities which have grown despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Marles also visited National Defence College in New Delhi where he said, “One of the priorities of the new Australian government is India.”
“My visit this week reflects that conviction, and the commitment by the Albanese Government to place India at the heart of Australia’s approach to the Indo-Pacific and beyond. As Australia’s new Defence Minister, I come to the position conscious of a profound responsibility: to ensure Australia has the capability necessary to defend itself in the toughest strategic environment we’ve encountered in over 70 years,” Mr Marles said in his speech.
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The visit has been welcomed by academics and industry experts who highlight the importance of the latest meetings.
Baani Grewal, a researcher at the International Cyber Policy Centre of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, told SBS Hindi that Australia and India’s partnership, which is focused on maintaining a rules-based and inclusive region, is important.
Baani Grewal is a researcher (International Cyber Policy Centre) at Australian Strategic Policy Institute.
Supplied by Baani Grewal
“The new Australian government was able to reassure India that it would remain a priority partner. Mr Marles even went so far to say India would be at the centre of Australia’s Indo-Pacific strategy,” Ms Grewal said.
National Chair of Australia India Business Council (AIBC) Jim Varghese welcomed the visit and said, “With the major changes in the Indian Defence procurement process, AIBC sees tremendous opportunities for Australian companies to take advantage of the strong relationship between the Australian and Indian governments.”
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Echoing similar sentiments, Joe Williams, AIBC National Chair for the Defence and Security Industry Chapter, said, “The Australian Defence Industry is growing fast and Australia is now home to leading global defence companies, a thriving network of SMEs and a deep commitment to building a job-ready defence workforce.”
