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

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).