Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles to Visit India for Strategic Talks

Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles is set to visit India this week as part of a four-nation tour aimed at bolstering security ties with South and Southeast Asia. His visit marks the fifth anniversary of the strategic partnership between Australia and India. Marles, who is also the Defence Minister, will engage in high-level discussions during his stay from June 2 to June 5. He will also visit the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. This trip comes after the Labor Party's electoral victory, making him the first senior Australian minister to visit India since Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's re-election. The two nations are also negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement following the signing of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement in 2022.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 2, 2025, 10:19 IST

Richard Marles' Upcoming Visit to India

This week, Richard Marles, the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, will arrive in India as part of a four-nation tour. The primary goal of his visit is to enhance Australia's security collaboration with South and Southeast Asia.

A statement from the Australian government highlighted that Marles' trip coincides with the fifth anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Australia and India, emphasizing the shared vision for both nations and the Indian Ocean.

According to the announcement, Marles will be in South and Southeast Asia from June 2 to June 5 for high-level discussions. He also holds the position of Australia's Defence Minister. Besides India, his itinerary includes visits to the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.

Marles expressed, 'Australia values its relationships with neighbors in the Indo-Pacific region. Our deepening cooperation is central to Australia's vision of maintaining an open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific.'

He added, 'I look forward to meeting with leaders and engaging in constructive discussions on how we can work together to shape a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region that respects sovereignty.'

Following the Labor Party's victory in the parliamentary elections and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's re-election, Marles will be the first senior Australian minister to visit India.

In 2022, India and Australia signed the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) and are currently negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).