Australia's Prime Minister refers to India as a "Top Security Partner."

Mumbai: Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has described India as a “top security partner.” He stated that his visit to India reflects his government’s commitment to position India at the centre of Australia’s Pacific and broader foreign policy. After boarding India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, in Mumbai, he made these remarks.

“India is a top-tier security partner for Australia. The Indian Ocean is essential to the security and prosperity of both nations. And never before in our nation’s history have we had such a strong strategic alignment, which has been strengthened by my current visit to India and will be strengthened further by Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the Quad leaders meeting “the Australian prime minister said.

Albanese continued, “In a brief period of time, our trade and economic well-being will depend on free and open access to Indo-Pacific sea lanes. And we share a commitment to upholding a rules-based international order and ensuring that the Indo-Pacific is open, inclusive, and prosperous.”

Albanese sat in the fighter aircraft as personnel of the Indian Navy provided information about the INS Vikrant. Additionally, he revealed that Australia will host Exercise Malabar for the first time. He added that India will participate in Australia’s “Talisman Sabre” exercise in August for the first time. He described the August visit of the Indian Navy to Australia as “a tremendous honour.”

“I am delighted to officially proclaim aboard the magnificent INS Vikrant that Australia will host the inaugural ‘Exercise Malabar’ later this year,” the Australian prime minister said.

“I’m extremely honoured to be here today on the newly commissioned, Indian-designed and -built INS Vikrant. My visit reflects my government’s commitment to place India at the centre of Australia’s approach to the Indian Ocean and beyond. During my time in India, I have had the privilege of meeting the skilled and extremely professional members of the Indian Navy. What elevates defence relationships to new heights is the determination and foresight of those who see the relationship not only as it is, but also as it could be. “One such individual is my friend, Prime Minister Modi,” Albanese said to the media after boarding the INS Vikrant.

In his remarks, the Australian Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Modi for his “commitment to advancing our defence and security partnership, which is of increasing strategic significance as we jointly navigate the challenges of our region.” He remarked that both nations share an unwavering commitment to an international order founded on principles.

“For the first time in November, we conducted complex and sophisticated IndoPacific endeavour and Ostrahund exercises.” Exercise Malabar strengthened our military interoperability with India, along with our close allies Japan and the United States, said Albanese.

“More significant than these statistics is the unprecedented complexity and sophistication of our military engagements. I anticipate that our defence cooperation will be busier than ever in 2023,” he added.

Albanese also discussed the Australia-India General Rawat Defense Officer Exchange Program, which is presently underway in India. He stated, “Prime Minister Modi’s innovative exchange programme will ensure that our military personnel develop the familiarity and trust necessary for a close and enduring relationship.” India and Australia are celebrating 75 years of camaraderie with his visit to INS Vikrant.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart, Albanese, attended the opening day of the final Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023 test match at the Narendra Modi stadium. At the venue, PM Modi greeted his Australian counterpart.

In order to commemorate 75 years of friendship between India and Australia, both prime ministers were greeted with loud cheers as they walked a circuit of honour around the enormous sports arena prior to the commencement of the game. The coin flip was conducted with a commemorative coin.

The two leaders rode a specially designed chariot around the stadium to commemorate the occasion. The Australian Prime Minister compared the cricket match to the burgeoning bilateral relations between Australia and India.

Prime Minister Albanese tweeted after departing the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, “As two cricket-loving nations, Australia and India have a fierce but cordial rivalry. Genuine reverence, reflecting the affection and friendship between our people, lies at the core of this competition.”

Australia and India are contending on the field to be the finest in the world. Off the field, we are working together to create a better world. Today, the Prime Minister @narendramodi and I had the privilege of inaugurating the fourth test in Gujarat. Best of success to everyone (but go Australia! ),” Albanese added.

Meanwhile, PM Modi tweeted, “India and Australia share a passion for cricket! Happy to be in Ahmedabad with my close friend, Prime Minister @AlboMP, to observe portions of the India vs. Australia Test Match. I am confident it will be a thrilling contest!”