NewsGate Press Network

After holding talks with two other defence ministers from QUAD countries, the Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles is coming to India.

Later this week Marles will be visiting India to hold formal meeting with Rajnath Singh.

At the just concluded Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Richard Marles held discussions with his American and Japanese counterparts.

Rajnath Singh a tweet on social media platform stated “Looking forward to continuing our close cooperation to further strengthen bilateral defence ties under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”

The Australian Deputy Prime Minister will also be travelling to Maldives, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

His visit to India coincides with the fifth anniversary of Australia and India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which underpins our relationship and shared vision for the Indian Ocean, he said.

Marles said: “Australia values our relationships with neighbours in the Indo-Pacific. Our deepening cooperation is at the heart of Australia’s approach to ensure the Indo-Pacific remains open, inclusive and resilient.”

“I look forward to meeting leaders and welcome productive discussions on how we can work together to shape a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region that is respectful of sovereignty.”