Australian PM Announces Hosting Malabar Naval Drill
(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) NEW DELHI, March 9 (KUNA) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday that India is a top-tier security partner of Australia and it will host Exercise Malabar, a massive drill of naval forces from Australia, India, the US and Japan.
The Press Trust of India quoted Albanese, who arrived in Ahmedabad city of Gujarat yesterday on a four-day India visit, as saying onboard Indian Naval Ship aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in Mumbai, that his country will host Exercise Malabar for the first time.
'I am pleased to announce formally, aboard the magnificent INS Vikrant, that later this year Australia will host Exercise Malabar for the first time and India will - also for the first time - participate in Australia's Talisman Sabre exercise,' he said.
The announcement is important as it is yet another signal that the QUAD nations are further cementing their security and defense efforts to contain increasing Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
He also said in his speech after receiving the guard of honour on board INS Vikrant that his visit reflects Australian commitment to place India at the heart of his country's approach to the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Albanese also thanked his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for his dedication in driving forward the defence and security partnership between the two countries.
'A partnership that is of increasing strategic importance as we navigate the challenges of our region together. For Australia, India is a top-tier security partner. The Indian Ocean is central to both countries' security and prosperity,' the Australian PM said.
Modi and his Australian counterpart are scheduled to hold bilateral talks in New Delhi Saturday as part of the Annual Summit under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
It is expected to touch upon several issues of mutual interest in the bilateral, regional and global levels. Albanese will also meet in New Delhi Indian President Droupadi Murmu and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. (end)
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