India, Australia share common visions for free, open Indo-Pacific: Rajnath Singh

New Delhi [India], June 22: Highlighting the democratic and open relationship between India and Australia, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that Australia is a proven and trusted partner of India and both the nations share democratic values and common visions for a free and open Indo-Pacific. While addressing the first bilateral Defence Ministers' meeting with Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, Singh said, "India and Australia share democratic values, having common visions for a free and open Indo-Pacific." Also Read: US: Plane carrying 126 people catches fire after crash landing Rajnath Singh further said that relations between India and Australia were elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in June 2020 during the Prime Minister-level virtual summit meeting. "Australia is a key partner in India's Indo-Pacific Ocean initiative," Rajnath Singh further added. Earlier on Monday, Marles received a Guard of Honour in the presence of Rajnath Singh and laid a wreath at National War Memorial in New Delhi. Marles, is on a four-day visit to India, met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday and discussed the complete range of comprehensive strategic partnerships, including a shared commitment to building a stronger and resilient Indo-Pacific. Marles arrived in India on Monday, which marks the first high-level visit from Australia after newly-elected prime minister Anthony Albanese took office on May 23. Marles stated that Rajnath Singh has been instrumental in advancing India-Australia defence ties and he looks forward to working with him to enhance the defence pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. Earlier, the Australian PM Albanese had said that the relationship with India is very important and ties between the two countries have never been closer. "Our relationship with India is a very important one and it was a great honour to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi." Also Read | NDA picks Droupadi Murmu for presidential polls, likely to file nomination on June 25 PM Modi congratulated Prime Minister Albanese on his election victory. Both leaders reviewed the multi-faceted cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including trade and investment, defence manufacturing, renewable energy, green hydrogen, education, science and technology, agricultural research, sports, and people-to-people ties. -PTC News