India-Australia to explore new initiatives to expand bilateral defence ties
- In Reports
- 09:41 PM, Jun 21, 2022
- Myind Staff
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his visiting Australian counterpart Richard Marles will explore new initiatives to further expand bilateral defence engagements in their talks on Wednesday.
The defence ministry said the two ministers will also exchange views on regional and global issues of shared interest.
The Ministry of Defence on Tuesday said, "During the bilateral talks, the two Ministers will review the defence cooperation between the two countries and explore new initiatives to further strengthen bilateral engagements. They will also exchange views on regional and global issues of shared interest."
"Both the countries are comprehensive strategic partners and I am committed to strengthening Australia's defence and security cooperation with India," Marles said in a statement released by the Australian Embassy in India.
Deputy PM Marles reached Goa on June 20, 2022 on the first leg of his four-day visit to India.
He visited Goa Shipyard Limited on Tuesday and will be visiting INS Hansa later in the day during his stay in Goa.
"India and Australia share a comprehensive strategic partnership since June 2020 and defence is a key pillar of this partnership. The partnership is based on a shared vision of free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," the defence ministry said.
"The two democracies have a common interest in peace and prosperity of the entire region," it said in a statement.
During the visit, Marles will also meet External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and engage with national security and defence policymakers and personnel.
Image source: Twitter
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