Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles to Visit India for Defense Dialogue

Canberra, May 28: Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles will visit India this weekend for the second Australia-India Defense Ministers’ Dialogue. Marles expressed his eagerness to meet Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh during his trip.

In a statement released by the Australian Department of Defense, Marles stated, “Australia and India are top-tier security partners. Following the significant progress made during my visit to Australia last year, I look forward to meeting with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to further strengthen our defense partnership.”

Before arriving in India, Marles will first attend the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. This event, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, will take place from May 29 to 31. During the dialogue, he will address regional maritime security issues in a plenary session and engage with global and regional defense counterparts.

Highlighting the inaugural Australia-India Defense Ministers’ Dialogue held in Australia last October, the Australian Defense Minister noted that this meeting reflects a strong desire for enhanced bilateral defense cooperation and progress.

On May 8, India and Australia conducted the 10th round of defense policy talks in New Delhi. According to a statement from the Ministry of Defense, officials from both nations welcomed the increasing frequency and complexity of joint exercises.

The Ministry of Defense stated, “Both parties welcomed the recent advancements in bilateral defense cooperation. The initiation of annual Australia-India Defense Ministers’ Dialogues in 2025 has enhanced consultations and demonstrated the growing trust between our countries.”

Both nations have committed to deepening maritime cooperation and fostering ongoing collaboration, enhancing strategic relations, and promoting shared commitments to regional stability. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad, while the Australian side was led by Assistant Secretary Bernard Philip of International Policy.

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