New Delhi [India], June 4 (ANI): In a solemn tribute to India’s fallen soldiers, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on Wednesday, marking a symbolic moment of respect and solidarity between the two nations.
The Ministry of Defence acknowledged the gesture on social media, posting, “Australian Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Defence Mr Richard Marles visited the National War Memorial in New Delhi and laid a wreath in solemn tribute to India’s fallen heroes. The gesture underscores the shared respect, sacrifice, and growing defence cooperation between India and Australia.”
Marles arrived in India late Tuesday night as part of a broader Indo-Pacific tour, which includes stops in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia from June 2 to 5. His visit reaffirms Australia’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and defence partnerships across South and Southeast Asia.
Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, also welcomed Marles on X, saying, “Welcome to India, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles. Five years ago tomorrow, Australia and India signed our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Your visit to India so early in your second term reflects the strength and continuity of our enduring relationship.”
Later in the day, Marles is scheduled to meet Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for bilateral discussions on regional and global security concerns and expanding defence ties. The Ministry of Defence noted, “Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will meet Australian Deputy Prime Minister & Defence Minister Richard Marles MP in New Delhi today, to discuss regional and global security issues and deepen Defence Cooperation. Defence and security are key pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with both nations committed to peace, stability, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.”
During his earlier visits to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Marles discussed continued Australian support for enhancing sovereign defence capabilities in the region, according to a release from the Australian Defence Ministry.
Marles’ wreath-laying ceremony, coupled with his scheduled high-level meetings, reflects the deepening strategic and respectful ties between India and Australia—built on shared values, regional security interests, and mutual admiration for each other’s armed forces. (ANI)
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