Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi this week, marking a milestone in the deepening India–Australia defence partnership.
The visit coincided with the fifth anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations — a relationship that both leaders say has reached unprecedented levels of cooperation.
“It was an honour to meet with Prime Minister Modi today in New Delhi on the fifth anniversary of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Marles said.
“We reflected on the unprecedented progress we have achieved in our defence cooperation.”
Prime Minister Modi echoed that sentiment, stating,
“Had a productive discussion on deepening the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Our shared vision for a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific continues to guide our collaboration.”
Marles’s visit to India forms part of a broader South and Southeast Asia tour from 2–5 June, aimed at reaffirming Australia’s commitment to the region.
“Australia values our relationships with neighbours in the Indo-Pacific,” Marles said ahead of the trip.
“Our deepening cooperation is at the heart of Australia’s approach to ensure the Indo-Pacific remains open, inclusive and resilient.”
In New Delhi, Marles also held formal talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Both leaders acknowledged the remarkable strides made in defence ties over the past three years.
During opening remarks, Marles underscored the significance of the relationship, describing India as “a friend with whom we want to make common cause.” He said,
“We feel we have never had a more strategic alignment with India than we do now… Our relationship with you is of the highest priority.”
He added that defence collaboration has become “a significant part of the entire bilateral relationship,” expressing Australia’s ambition for a robust joint declaration on defence and security and a roadmap for maritime cooperation.
Singh, in turn, credited Marles’s leadership for the growing momentum in the defence relationship. “It is heartening to note the significant milestones achieved in our bilateral defence relations,” he said.
“Largely due to your personal commitment and leadership, defence cooperation has emerged as an important pillar of our comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Amid talks of long-term regional collaboration, the two leaders also addressed pressing security challenges. Singh acknowledged Australia’s support following a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, saying,
“India thanks Australia for its unequivocal support to India’s resolute response against the barbaric act of terror.”
Marles responded with a message of solidarity:
“We want to make clear that Australia stands with India and all countries in combating terrorism… Our thoughts and our prayers are with the families of those who were killed in the appalling terrorist attack.”
As both countries chart a shared path through an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific, the defence partnership is not only growing stronger — it is becoming central to their broader strategic alignment.
“We want to be ambitious,” Marles said, “about how we work together to shape a peaceful, secure and prosperous region.”
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