Relationship with India most important in world, says Australian Dy PM and Defence Minister Richard Marles

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral meeting and attended the 2 Plus 2 Ministerial Dialogue at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday.

VIDEO | Australian Deputy Prime Minister & Defence Minister Richard Marles met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/8ADqCg39tP

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 20, 2023

"During our earlier discussion, we were able to identify areas and initiatives where our two countries would collaborate... Today's meeting will give us an opportunity to reaffirm our resolve to further deepen our defence partnership," Rajnath Singh said during the bilateral meeting with Australian counterpart.

Singh also welcomed the Australian minister and his delegation to India. "It is indeed my great pleasure to meet you today and hold discussions on our bilateral defence cooperation. India-Australia relations have thrived on the strong foundations of trust and shared democratic values," the India's defence minister said in his opening remarks at 2+2 ministerial dialogue with his Australian counterpart.

Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh meeting the Australian Deputy Prime Minister & Defence Minister, Richard Marles at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. He will hold a bilateral meeting with him and also attend the 2 Plus 2 Ministerial Dialogue. pic.twitter.com/MCFZhKpLEW

— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) November 20, 2023

The Australian Defence Minister said his country's relationship with India has been most important that it has in the world.

"It is hard to overstate how important we regard India and our relationship with India. In a difficult world, particularly in the Indian Ocean, we are neighbours, we have a deep strategic alignment, but more importantly, we have shared traditions of democracy, the rule of law, freedom of speech and heritage, including cricket... Our relationship with India has been the most important relationship that we have in the world," Marles said.

"It's great to be back in India again and to be here at such an auspicious time for the World Cup. I congratulate India for the way it hosted the World Cup and the way in which India has played. And we feel lucky with the result last night. But it has been just a great expression of the friendship between Australia and India," the Australian Defence Minister said.

#WATCH | Delhi: During the bilateral meeting with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Australian Deputy Prime Minister & Defence Minister Richard Marles, says, "It's great to be back in India again and to be here at such an auspicious time for the World Cup. I congratulate… pic.twitter.com/VjtP5F1bb4

— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2023

Marles also met India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. During the meeting, both the leaders spoke about recent developments that "influence the Indo-Pacific strategic scenario," and also exchanged views on West Asia.

"And yes, we discussed yesterday’s (India-Australia World Cup 2023 final) match. Congratulations Australia!" Jaishankar said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

A very good meeting with DPM and Defence Minister @RichardMarlesMP of Australia.

Spoke about recent developments that influence the Indo-Pacific strategic scenario. Also exchanged views on West Asia.

And yes, we discussed yesterday’s match. Congratulations Australia! pic.twitter.com/nbASZyZTnb

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 20, 2023

With inputs from agencies