Rajnath Singh with Australia’s Deputy PM and Minister for Defence Richard Marles (Photo : ANI)

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that Australia is a proven and trusted partner of India and both nations share democratic values and common visions for a free and open Indo-Pacific.Singh gave this statement while holding first bilateral Defence Ministers’ meeting with Australia’s Deputy PM and Minister for Defence Richard Marles.

Earlier today, Australian Defence Minister and Deputy PM Richard Marles received a Guard of Honour in the presence of Rajnath Singh and laid a wreath at National War Memorial in New Delhi.

The two sides reviewed the defence cooperation between the two countries and explore new initiatives to further strengthen bilateral engagements. Marles, who is on a four-day visit to India, met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday and discussed the complete range of comprehensive strategic partnerships, including a shared commitment to building a stronger and resilient Indo-Pacific.

Marles arrived in India on Monday, which marks the first high-level visit from Australia after newly-elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took office on May 23. Saying that Rajnath Singh has been instrumental in advancing India-Australia defence ties, Marles stated that India is one of Australia’s closest security partners and the government is focused on revitalising Australia’s historically deep engagement with India across the Indo-Pacific.

Australia stands ready to work closely with India in support of an open, inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific, he added. Earlier, the Australian PM Albanese had said that the relationship with India is very important and ties between the two countries have never been closer.

PM Modi congratulated Prime Minister Albanese on his election victory. Both leaders reviewed the multi-faceted cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including trade and investment, defence manufacturing, renewable energy, green hydrogen, education, science and technology, agricultural research, sports, and people-to-people ties.