India and Australia on Wednesday reaffirmed their strong defence partnership and shared commitment to countering terrorism during a high-level bilateral meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles in New Delhi.
During the meeting, Singh acknowledged the growing strategic ties between the two nations and thanked Australia for its support following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
“It was heartening to note the significant milestones achieved in our bilateral defence relations since our last meeting. I hope that in the coming years, we will work with renewed momentum to effectively contribute to the growth of bilateral defence ties. Largely due to your commitment and leadership in strengthening India-Australia defence and security cooperation, bilateral defence collaboration has emerged as an important pillar of our comprehensive strategic partnership over the past three years”, the defence minister said.
“I look forward to a productive discussion today and hope it will lay a firm foundation for further strengthening India-Australia defence ties. This meeting comes at a time when India is facing significant challenges along its western border. We have taken steps in response to the barbaric incident in Kashmir. We are grateful to Australia for its support on this issue, and we will discuss it further during the meeting”, Singh added.
In response, Marles expressed Australia’s solidarity with India and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to working closely with India to tackle terrorism.
“The opportunity to work closely with you again over the next three years is truly exciting. I have deeply appreciated our relationship over the past three years and the progress we have made. I would like to convey our Prime Minister’s condolences to India for the lives lost in the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who were killed in that appalling act of terrorism”, Marles said.
“Australia stands with India and all nations in the fight against terrorism. We acknowledge and welcome the cessation of military activity, which we view as a demonstration of Indian leadership. We are committed to continuing our cooperation with India in combating terrorism in all its forms,” Marles added.
Marles is visiting the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia from June 2–5 for high-level meetings, according to a release from the Australian government’s Department of Defence.
ANI