India and Australia discussed closer collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region as part of their expanding strategic ties during a telephone conversation on Thursday between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his counterpart Richard Marles.
Through a post on X, Rajnath Singh stated that a range of issues pertaining to bilateral defence cooperation were reviewed, focusing on closer collaboration between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific. “We place great value on the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” he 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 India-Australia…
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 4, 2024
The Ministers noted the transformative progress in defence cooperation under the comprehensive strategic partnership. They appreciated the momentum achieved in the ties since the last India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, which the two Ministers attended in November 2023. Australia considers India a top-tier security partner in its National Defence Strategy document, released in 2024.
During the dialogue, India and Australia decided to strengthen their overall defence-strategic ties, including cooperation in information exchange, maritime domain awareness and niche areas like AI, cyber, anti-submarine and anti-drone warfare. Marles had then stressed that China was the biggest security anxiety for India and Australia while also being their largest trading partner.
Richard Marles congratulated Rajnath Singh for taking charge as Defence Minister for a second consecutive term. They appreciated the functioning of the Indian democratic system, which allowed people to vote in large numbers. MoD said he congratulated Rajnath Singh on Team India becoming the T20 World Champions.
Team BharatShakti
