Rajnath Singh reviews defence co-operation with his Australian counterpart
They reviewed the defence and security pillars of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership & reaffirmed their commitment towards its implementation
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New Delhi, June 22: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday, held a bilateral meeting with visiting Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles in New Delhi.
They also welcomed the plan to commence landmark General Rawat Young Officer Exchange Programme in the latter half of 2022, which was announced during the virtual summit meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two countries on March 21, 2022.
Marles is on a visit to India from June 20-23, 2022.
The two Ministers reviewed existing defence cooperation activities which have been increasing despite challenges of COVID-19 pandemic and discussed ways to enhance further cooperation.
They also reviewed the defence and security pillars of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They reaffirmed their commitment towards implementation of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership based on mutual trust and understanding, common interests and shared values, of democracy and rule of law.
Both Ministers committed to give fillip to India-Australia Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Research and Materiel Cooperation, which will meet in Australia later this year. This JWG is a crucial mechanism for boosting ties between defence industries.
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They both discussed further opportunities for industrial cooperation between India & Australia to increase resilience of supply chains & deliver capabilities to their respective defence forces.
They also welcomed the plan to commence landmark General Rawat Young Officer Exchange Programme in the latter half of 2022, which was announced during the virtual summit meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two countries on March 21, 2022.
They reviewed strategic challenges and regional security situation, reaffirming their shared objective of an open, free, inclusive, prosperous & rules-based Indo-Pacific region. They looked forward to India’s participation in Australia’s Indo Pacific Endeavour exercise in October 2022.
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Earlier in the day, the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Australia visited the National War Memorial and paid homage to the war heroes by laying a wreath at the monument. The Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Australia was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour before the bilateral meeting with Shri Rajnath Singh.
Marles is on a visit to India from June 20-23, 2022.