Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles is visiting India this week. But why?

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, is in India this week as part of a broader diplomatic tour of South and Southeast Asia. He is the first senior Australian minister to visit India since Labor's return to power after the 2025 federal election.

Australia's Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles talking to the media (Representative image) Source: AP / Joeal Calupitan/AP/AAP

The Deputy Prime Minister will meet leaders and counterparts in India, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Indonesia as part of the government’s commitment to deepening diplomatic and defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

"Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to South and Southeast Asia from 2-5 June 2025 for high-level meetings," the official statement said.

The visit to India coincides with the fifth anniversary of Australia and India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which underpins our relationship and shared vision for the Indian Ocean, it noted.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles during a swearing-in ceremony at Government House in Canberra, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP / LUKAS COCH/AAPIMAGE

“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,” Marles said.

“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.

According to defence expert Dr Dalbir Ahlawat, the visit is particularly 'significant' in light of last month’s military exchange between India and Pakistan.

Dr Dalbir Ahlawat, a Senior Lecturer, School of International Studies, Macquarie University, Australia. Credit: Supplied by Dr Dalbir Ahlawat

“The two sides—India and Australia—will discuss their roles in maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific, and Operation Sindoor will also be part of the talks,” said Dr Ahlawat.

Australia India Institute's CEO Lisa Singh said “For the Defence Minister to visit India, Maldives and Sri Lanka straight after the Federal election signifies how deepening security partnerships in South Asia are a high priority for Australia in an ever-contested region."

Lisa Singh, Australia India Insitute's CEO Credit: Supplied by AII

“Amidst the geopolitical uncertainty of the region we live in, the Australia-India relationship is only becoming more important. We are two countries united by the common purpose that we want stability, prosperity and peace for our region," Singh added.

“In Australia, our growing India diaspora have become the glue that binds our two nations to better make sense of one another.

India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting multiple sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, in direct retaliation for the April attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.

Richard Marles was appointed Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister shortly after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese secured a second term in office.

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