Australia’s Defence Minister Plans Strategic Visit to India

Richard Marles, the Defence Minister of Australia, will visit India next week. He is scheduled to hold discussions with his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh, as they seek to expand strategic cooperation between the countries.

Marles, who also serves as Australia's Deputy Prime Minister, will participate in the second India-Australia Defence Ministers' Dialogue. This event, first held in Australia last October, highlights significant advances in their defence partnership and an ambition for closer cooperation. "Australia and India are top-tier security partners," Marles remarked, indicating his anticipation to strengthen defence ties further following Singh's visit to Australia last year.

This visit precedes a potential trip by India's Prime Minister to Australia, scheduled for July.

(With inputs from agencies.)