New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, in New Delhi to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation. The discussions focused on fortifying the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which marked its fifth anniversary.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the leaders emphasized the significance of enhancing collaboration in critical sectors, including defence industrial partnerships, resilient supply chains, critical minerals, and new and emerging technologies. The meeting underscored a mutual commitment to a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. Marles expressed Australia's continued support for India's efforts against cross-border terrorism.
During his visit, Deputy Prime Minister Marles also engaged with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Their talks covered various mutual concerns, with Jaishankar affirming India's dedication to elevating its partnership with Australia. He identified critical minerals, cyber, technology, space, and sports as additional focus areas for collaboration. Jaishankar also noted the strengthening of various international frameworks and groupings, such as the Quad, the East Asia Summit, the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the United Nations, and a trilateral group with France, to further mutual benefits.