Rajnath Singh to hold bilateral talks with Australian Defence Minister Marles; defence cooperation and regional security issues on agenda
New Delhi [India], June 4 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will meet Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles in New Delhi on Wednesday, an official statement said.
Both leaders will discuss regional and global security issues and the deepening of defence cooperation ties.
In a post on X, the Ministry of Defence stated, '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.'
https://x.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/1930108085076390007
Marles is travelling to the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia from June 2-5 for high-level meetings, as per the Australian Defence Government release.
The Deputy Prime Minister will meet leaders and counterparts in the South and Southeast Asia as part of the Government's commitment to deepening diplomatic and defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
During his visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka, the Deputy Prime Minister will discuss ongoing Australian support for both nations' sovereign capability development, the release added.
In Indonesia, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet his counterpart to reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Ahead of the visit, Marles said, 'Australia values our relationships with neighbours in the Indo-Pacific. Our deepening cooperation is at the heart of Australia's approach to ensure the Indo-Pacific remains open, inclusive and resilient.'
'I look forward to meeting leaders and welcome productive discussions on how we can work together to shape a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region that is respectful of sovereignty,' he added.
On May 23, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated Richard Marles on his reappointment as Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
Manipur govt suspends internet services in 5 districts for five days
The Manipur government has suspended all internet and mobile data services in five districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur—for five days starting 11:45 pm on 7 June. The order also covers VSAT and VPN services. Citing a deteriorating law and order situation, the official notification stated, 'In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur especially in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching & Bishnupur districts… there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation.' The government order, issued by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar, was taken under Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo — ANI (@ANI) Officials warn of social media's role in escalating violence Officials believe the temporary shutdown is essential to stop the circulation of harmful content. Live Events The order warned of an 'imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public/private property, and wide spread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, which might be transmitted/circulated to the public through social media/messaging services on mobile services, SMS services and dongle services.' It further stated, 'To thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony… it has become necessary to take adequate measures… to stop the spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.' According to the directive, social media posts and bulk messaging were being used to mobilise mobs and incite vandalism and arson, putting public safety at serious risk. 'The order is being passed ex-parte in view of the emergent situation,' it noted. Arrest sparks protests, roads blocked and tensions rise The blackout came shortly after street protests erupted in Imphal East and West districts on the night of 7 June. Protesters were reacting to the arrest of a key leader from Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei organisation. In areas such as Kwakeithel and Uripok, residents blocked roads with burning tyres and furniture. The demonstrations drew attention across the state. In a video widely shared online, BJP MP Leishemba Sanajaoba confronted security personnel and said, 'If this continues, arrest me and another MLA as well.' The statement was made in response to the police crackdown on local leaders. Militants arrested, weapons seized in crackdown At the same time, security operations intensified across the state. Three individuals linked to banned militant outfits—the Kangleipak Communist Party (People's War Group) and the United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK)—were arrested. During the raids, police recovered arms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and mortars. These arrests were part of a broader crackdown aimed at tackling rising militant activity in the region. State under President's rule as ethnic violence continues Manipur has remained under tension since May 2023. A prolonged ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has claimed over 260 lives. Thousands have been displaced, and the violence shows no signs of slowing. In February this year, President's Rule was imposed after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from office. The administration has since functioned under the oversight of the Union Government. This latest shutdown marks another flashpoint in the state's deepening crisis. With internet services down, movement restricted, and tensions high, residents remain caught between violence, fear, and uncertainty.
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe shot during campaign stop; attacker arrested
Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe (Image credits: ANI) Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe was shot Saturday during a campaign event in the Fontibón district of Bogotá, according to the Colombian national police. Bogotá mayor Carlos Galán confirmed that Uribe was receiving emergency medical care and said the city's entire hospital network was on alert in case a transfer was needed. The mayor also announced that the suspected attacker had been arrested. Colombian president Gustavo Petro responded to the incident on social media, expressing his support for Uribe's family. In a message posted on X, Petro wrote, 'I don't know how to ease your pain. It is the pain of a mother lost, and of a wounded homeland.'
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
Had a fruitful meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy: Piyush Goyal
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday described his meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy as 'fruitful' as they discussed avenues to deepen bilateral trade and strengthen collaboration across various sectors to 'unlock' the full potential of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 'Had a fruitful meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy today. We both expressed our appreciation towards the work done in finalising the historic India-UK FTA, which is poised to give further boost to our growing ties. We further discussed avenues to deepen bilateral trade and strengthen collaboration across various sectors to unlock the full potential of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,' posted Goyal on X. A day earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and said his substantive contribution to the remarkable progress in comprehensive strategic partnership is appreciative. 'Pleased to meet UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Appreciate his substantive contribution to the remarkable progress in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, further strengthened by the recently concluded FTA. Value UK's support for India's fight against cross-border terrorism,' posted PM Modi on X. David Lammy posted on X, 'Thank you Prime Minister@narendramodifor your warm welcome to India. Building on the free trade agreement between our great countries, we will continue working together to deepen our partnership, celebrate our unique living bridge, and deliver growth and security.' Earlier on Saturday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the UK Foreign Secretary also held bilateral discussions. In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said, 'Glad to meet UK Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy today in Delhi. Appreciate UK's strong condemnation of the terrorist attack on Pahalgam and support in combatting terrorism. Our conversation focused on the significant strides being made by the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Agreed that as our collaboration continues to grow, new opportunities emerge. Also discussed global and regional issues as also cooperation in multilateral fora.' The UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and posted on X, 'Great to see my friend S Jaishankar in Delhi today. We are advancing a new era in UK-India relations -- boosting trade and technology, tackling the climate crisis and providing greater security for our people.' During the meeting, UK FS Lammy expressed condolences over the recent Pahalgam terror attack and reiterated the UK's support in combating terrorism. Lammy also spoke about the recent progress in the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), underscoring growing education and trade cooperation. Offering condolences on the terrror attack, Lammy said, 'It is obviously also sadly the case that there has been a horrific terrorist attack since we last met and my Prime Minister wishes me to convey once again the deep condolences of the UK and a hand of friendship with India and support as we deal with the terrorism threat in a comprehensive manner.' (ANI)
