India-Australia Pact: Rajnath Singh thanks Australia for its support to India’s “resolute response against the barbaric act of terror in Pahalgam”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (L) with Australia’s Dy PM and Defence Minister Richard Marles. Pic/PTI
India and Australia on Wednesday agreed to expand their strategic cooperation for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific even as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed Canberra’s unequivocal support to New Delhi’s resolute response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
In his talks with visiting Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Singh highlighted India’s right to respond in self-defence against Pakistan-backed terrorism and its actions following the dastardly attack were measured, non-escalatory and responsible. In his remarks at the meeting, the Australian leader said, Canberra’s relationship with New Delhi is of the “highest priority” and that it is profoundly significant to Australia’s national interest.
The visit to New Delhi by Marles coincides with the fifth anniversary of the firming up of India Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that facilitated deeper bilateral defence ties. Singh, and Marles, who is also Australia’s defence minister, agreed to intensify and diversify defence-industrial collaboration. In their talks, Singh and Marles strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and expressed deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the defence ministry said.
In his televised opening remarks at the meeting, Singh made a mention of achieving “significant milestones” in the bilateral defence ties and hoped to work with “renewed momentum” to ensure further growth. Singh also talked about India facing “extreme challenges” at its western border, apparently referring to Pakistan-backed cross-border terrorism. The ministry said both sides agreed to work together towards a free and open Indian Ocean and Pacific Island region.
“Both sides called for continued strengthening of bilateral defence cooperation and their commitment for achieving their shared objective of peace, prosperity, stability and progress in the Indo-Pacific region,” the ministry said. It said Singh and Marles welcomed the signing of the Australia-India joint research project and agreed to intensify and diversify defence industry collaboration.
“They deliberated to further the defence science and technology collaboration projects when they meet in Australia later this year for the third India-Australia 2+2 ministerial meeting,” it said. The ministry said the Singh-Marles meeting offered an opportunity to both sides to review the status of bilateral engagements in the context of emerging regional and global scenarios.
“The discussions covered a wide range of issues such as defence strategic cooperation and security, including industry collaboration, cyber and new emerging technologies, counter-terrorism, hydrography and maritime security,” it said.
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