Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles in New Delhi today. During the discussions, both leaders strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
Mr Singh emphasized India’s right to respond in self-defence against cross-border terrorism, describing New Delhi’s response to Pakistan as measured, non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible. In a social media post after the meeting, he thanked Australia for its unequivocal support to India’s resolute response against the barbaric act of terror in Pahalgam.
The two Ministers welcomed the signing of the Australia-India Joint Research Project and agreed to intensify and diversify defence industry collaboration. They deliberated to further defence science and technology collaboration projects when they meet in Australia later this year for the third India-Australia 2+2 ministerial meeting. They also reviewed the progress made since the last 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held in November 2023. The discussions covered a wide range of issues such as defence strategic cooperation and security, including industry collaboration, cyber and new emerging technologies, counter-terrorism, hydrography and maritime security. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global security issues of mutual interest.
On the fifth anniversary of the signing of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, both sides expressed satisfaction and recognised that defence has emerged as an important pillar of the collaboration. Both countries expressed satisfaction at the growing strategic convergence between the two countries and agreed to work together towards a free and open Indian Ocean and Pacific Island region. Both sides called for continued strengthening of bilateral defence cooperation and their commitment for achieving their shared objective of peace, prosperity, stability and progress in the Indo-Pacific region.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Marles was accorded a Guard of Honour at the Manekshaw Centre in the National Capital. The Australian Minister also laid a wreath at the National War Memorial.