During his three-day visit, Mr Marles attended the inaugural Defence Ministers’ Meeting and met several leaders and officials including Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.
Beginning on 20 June, this was the first high-level visit from Australia under the newly formed government.
Highlights:
- Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles visits India; pledges to boost defence ties
- His visit marks the first high-level visit from Australia under the newly formed government
- The Australia India Business Council calls the visit 'timely' and says there are tremendous opportunities to explore trade and investment in the defence supply chain
A defence ministry spokesperson told SBS Hindi that before visiting the Indian capital city of New Delhi, the Deputy Prime Minister visited the Indian Naval Station Hansa in Goa, western India, where he was briefed on the very successful combined maritime surveillance activity undertaken by the Indian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force.
In an prior to his visit, Mr Marles said, “Australia and India are Comprehensive Strategic Partners. I am committed to strengthening Australia’s defence and security cooperation with India.”
On Wednesday, the defence ministers of the two countries issued a stating that the bilateral meeting reviewed the existing defence cooperation activities which have grown despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Australia's Minister for Defence Richard Marles inspecting guard of honour at Vigyan Bhawan on June 22, 2022 in New Delhi, India Source: Sonu Mehta/Hindustan Times/Sipa USA
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.
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.
"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.
Baani Grewal is a researcher (International Cyber Policy Centre) at Australian Strategic Policy Institute. Source: Supplied by Baani Grewal
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."
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."
