India

Australian Defence Minister Meets PM Modi; Backs India’s Fight Against Cross-Border Terrorism

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Marles reaffirmed Australia’s support for India in combating cross-border terrorism. His visit marked the fifth anniversary of the India-Australia defence partnership.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated Marles on the Australian Labour Party’s election win and invited Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to the Annual Summit in India later this year.

PM Modi said their discussion focused on enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Talking to X, PM Modi posted, “Glad to meet Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Richard Marles. Had a productive discussion on deepening the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which marks its fifth anniversary today. Our shared vision for a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific continues to guide our collaboration.”

Marles & Rajnath Singh Review Defence Cooperation

Earlier, Marles met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Both leaders condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.

Singh highlighted India’s right to self-defence against terrorism and described its response as responsible and proportionate.

They reviewed the India-Australia defence partnership, including the newly signed Joint Research Project. Both agreed to deepen industry collaboration and explore defence science and technology cooperation at the next 2+2 ministerial meeting in Australia.

Partnership To Expand Amid Regional Challenges

The Defence Ministry said both sides also discussed cyber security, maritime cooperation, hydrography, and regional security challenges. They expressed satisfaction with the progress made since the last 2+2 meeting in November 2023.

The two nations recognised defence as a central pillar of their growing strategic partnership, underscoring the importance of continued collaboration amid emerging regional and global scenarios.

Also Read: India Flags Concerns Over $800 Million ADB Aid To Pakistan Amid Rising Defence Spending

Ajaypal Choudhary

Recent Posts

RBI Frontloads Rate Cuts To Boost Growth Amid Low Inflation: Crisil

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has frontloaded its rate cuts to support economic growth,…

14 mins ago

PM Modi Urges Global Action On Coastal Resilience At Nice Summit

PM Narendra Modi on Saturday called for urgent global action to build infrastructure that can…

21 mins ago

CJI BR Gavai Highlights Technology’s Historic Role In India’s Judicial System

CJI BR Gavai during the academic forum at the School of Oriental and African Studies…

50 mins ago

Jaishankar Reaffirms India’s Zero Tolerance Policy On Terrorism In Talks With UK Foreign Secretary Lammy

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday met UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and appreciated…

1 hour ago

HM Amit Shah Hails Anti-Naxal Success; Pledges Continued Drive For Peace

Amit Shah lauded the success of recent anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh and expressed his desire…

1 hour ago

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Reaffirms India’s Zero Tolerance For Terrorism

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday reaffirmed India's firm zero tolerance policy towards terrorism and…

1 hour ago