Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, June 22: In light of Australian deputy prime minister and defence minister Richard Marles’s continuing visit, India’s defence minister Rajnath Singh asserted on Wednesday that Australia is a tried-and-true ally with democratic ideals that shares India’s vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Marles lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in the nation’s capital on Wednesday and received a Guard of Honor in the presence of Rajnath Singh. During the bilateral discussions on Wednesday, Singh will examine the defence collaboration between the two nations and look into fresh ideas to strengthen bilateral ties. The first high-level Australian visit since newly elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assumed office on May 23 is Marles’ tour of India.
Rajnath Singh, according to Marles, has played a key role in boosting India-Australian defence cooperation, and the two men look forward to working together to strengthen the defence component of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The minister also mentioned that one of Australia’s closest security allies in India, and that the government is working to revive Australia’s long-standing close ties to its allies in the Indo-Pacific.