India, Australia stress maritime security amid West Asia crisis, deepen defence ties

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Australian Deputy PM and Defence Minister Richard Marles, in New Delhi on Monday. PIC/PTI

India and Australia on Monday underscored the importance of freedom of navigation, overflight and unimpeded maritime trade amid disruptions in energy supply chains following the West Asia crisis.

During wide-ranging talks in New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles announced that the two countries would begin developing an MoU regarding the provision of defence articles and services as the next step.

The two ministers also affirmed the importance of enhancing cooperation with regional partners to help maintain a free, open, peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, while emphasising the strategic importance of defence industrial collaboration and engagement between India and Australia.

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