Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday, reaffirming Australia’s strong support for India’s fight against cross-border terrorism. The meeting came on the fifth anniversary of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

PM Modi congratulated Marles on the Australian Labor Party’s recent electoral victory and extended an invitation to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to visit India for the Annual Summit later this year. Both leaders emphasized strengthening cooperation in areas such as defence, supply chains, critical minerals, and emerging technologies.

“Our shared vision for a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific continues to guide our collaboration,” Modi posted on X after the meeting.

Earlier, Marles held talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, where the leaders condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam and offered condolences to the victims’ families. Singh emphasized India’s right to self-defense, noting New Delhi’s actions against Pakistan were “measured, proportionate, and responsible.”

The ministers reviewed the India-Australia defence partnership, welcoming the signing of a new Joint Research Project and agreeing to expand defence industry and technology collaboration. They also discussed cyber security, maritime safety, and regional stability. Both sides will continue their talks at the upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Australia later this year.

India’s Ministry of Defence noted that Wednesday’s meeting marked a key moment to assess bilateral progress amid evolving regional and global security dynamics. The leaders reaffirmed defence as a vital pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.