Ajit Karn
Mumbai: Thursday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that his nation will host Exercise Malabar, a naval exercise involving Australia, India, the United States, and Japan.
Moreover, he stated aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant that India will participate in Australia’s multinational Talisman Sabre exercise for the first time.
The visiting prime minister noted that India and Australia conducted more exercises, operations, and dialogues than ever before in 2017. India and Australia deployed Maritime Patrol Aircraft to each other’s territories for the first time, he said, marking a significant move forward in their bilateral relationship.
The Video Player is currently processing.
“We conducted increasingly complex and sophisticated Indo-Pacific Endeavour and Austrahind exercises in November alone,” said Anthony Albanese.
“I am pleased to formally proclaim, aboard the majestic INS Vikrant, that later this year Australia will host Exercise Malabar for the first time, and India will participate in Australia’s Talisman Sabre exercise for the first time,” he said.
Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff, welcomed Anthony Albanese aboard the Vikrant with a Vigil of Honor.
The Australian prime minister stated that his government is committed to placing India at the centre of Australia’s Indo-Pacific and beyond strategy.
“But arguably what elevates defence relationships to new heights is the resolve and foresight of those who see the relationship not only as it is, but also as it could be. Prime Minister Modi is one of these individuals “he said.
Anthony Albanese stated that the strategic significance of the India-Australia partnership is growing and that the two nations have never before had such a firm strategic alignment.
The bilateral defence and security partnership has never been busier or more productive, and 2023 will be “busier than ever” in this area, he added.
Andy Vermaut shares:Australia To Host Malabar Exercise, Says Australian PM Aboard INS Vikrant: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday that his country will host Exercise Malabar, a naval drill involving Australia,… https://t.co/3XpJwEvbYF Thank you. pic.twitter.com/WOJaEZjPCi
— Andy Vermaut (@AndyVermaut) March 9, 2023
Albanese noted that both countries depend on free and open access to Indo-Pacific sea lanes for commerce and economic prosperity, and that India and Australia share an unwavering commitment to upholding the rules-based international order and guaranteeing an open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Notably, the Indo-Pacific region has witnessed a growing assertiveness from China.
Also read: According To A Nutritionist, Five Herbs To Support Your Kidneys
Anthony Albanese, speaking about the Australia-India General Rawat Defence Officer Exchange Programme, stated that this initiative by Prime Minister Modi will ensure that the defence personnel of the two nations develop familiarity and trust, which are the foundations of a close and enduring relationship.
