Melbourne/New Delhi, June 1 (UNI) Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles will be visiting India this week during which he will meet with his counterpart and other top officials.

Marles is travelling to South and Southeast Asia from June 2-5 for high-level meetings.

The Australian Deputy Prime Minister will meet leaders and counterparts in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia as part of the Government’s commitment to deepening diplomatic and defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, a statement said.

The 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.”

On May 23, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had extended congratulations to Richard Marles on his reappointment as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Australia.

Singh had posted on X, “Looking forward to continuing our close cooperation to further strengthen bilateral defence ties under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”

UNI RN