AIBC Welcomes Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister visit to India

Australia India Business Council Limited (AIBC) welcomes the initiative taken by the Anthony Albanese Government to keep the momentum on bilateral Defence and Security dialogue and the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia, the Honourable Richard Marles MP, to India from 20th – 23rd June 2022.

As stated by the Honourable Minister, India is one of Australia’s closest security partners and the Government is focused on revitalising Australia’s historically deep engagement with our partners across the Indo-Pacific.

“Australia and India are Comprehensive Strategic partners. I am committed to strengthening Australia’s defence and security cooperation with India,” Deputy Prime Minister Marles said.

“I am looking forward to meeting with my counterpart, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and holding our first bilateral Defence Minister’s Meeting. Minister Singh has been instrumental in advancing India-Australia defence ties, and I look forward to working with him to enhance the defence pillar of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.” Deputy Prime Minister Marles said.

AIBC understands that during the visit, Deputy Prime Minister Marles’ will also meet External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and engage national security and defence policymakers and personnel.

Welcoming the timely visit of the Deputy Prime Minister to India, Mr Jim Varghese AM, National Chair of AIBC said “For the last 35 years and continuing the AIBC is the peak body representing bi-lateral trade and investment relations between Australia and India. AIBC maintains close relationships with federal and state government agencies, the diplomatic corps and industry bodies, and highlights opportunities to the Australian business community through an active program of events throughout Australia.

India is the right partner for Australia and Australian businesses must look to India as a market to supply than a market for consumption. The partnership between Australia and India will generate trade in many sectors. With the major changes in the Indian Defence procurement process AIBC sees tremendous opportunities for the Australian companies to take advantage of the strong relationship between the Australian and Indian governments. AIBC therefore has established a Defence and Security Industry Chapter with the theme being “Partnering for stronger Defence and Security.”

Also welcoming the Defence Minister’s visit to India, Mr Joe Williams, AIBC National Chair for the Defence and Security Industry Chapter said “The Australian Defence Industry is growing fast and Australia is now home to leading global defence companies, a thriving network of SMEs and a deep commitment to building a job-ready defence workforce. Understanding the opportunities and establishing key partnership are Mantras of success in the Australian-Indian Defence and Security engagements moving forward.”

AIBC extends best wishes to the Deputy Prime Minister’s first visit to India and hopes that his visit will encourage Australian defence manufacturers to enter joint ventures with Indian firms to boos domestic production of defence equipment.

Approved by: Jim Varghese AM – National Chair – AIBC
Prepared by: Vish Viswanathan – Make In India Chair – AIBC
Released by: Media Team – AIBC

Dated: 20th June 2022

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