Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister of India met his counterparts from Australia and the United States in Siem Reap, Cambodia. He held a meeting with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles in Cambodia.
The two presidents talked about expanding defence ties and improving collaboration between Australia and India during their discussion. Rajnath Singh, in particular, travelled in Siem Reap on November 21 to co-chair the India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting and to take part in the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM Plus). Rajnath Singh announced on his official Twitter account that he had “insightful discussions” with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense, Mr. @RichardMarlesMP, about strengthening defence ties and expanding cooperation between India and Australia in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on Monday.
Richard Marles tweeted, “Great to see @rajnathsingh today to reflect on the significant growth of our defence partnership in 2022 and discuss our shared ambitions for future cooperation. Australia and India are great friends and we share an interest in an open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific
Rajnath Singh held a meeting with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, during his visit to Combodia. He tweeted, “Delighted to meet the US Secretary of Defence, Mr Lloyd J. Austin in Siem Reap.” He also had a meeting with New Zealand Defence Minister Peeni Henrae in Cambodia.
Singh tweeted, “Had a wonderful interaction with the Defence Minister of New Zealand, Mr. Peeni Henare.”
Earlier on 21st November, Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia General TEA Banh.
Rajnath Singh and TEA Benh discussed the strong historical and cultural ties between India and Cambodia at the meeting. According to a news release from the Ministry of Defence, the two leaders recognised the Cambodian temple complex Angkor Wat as a representation of the “long-lasting relations” between their two countries.
India and Cambodia are commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations this year. Rajnath Singh gave Cambodia his congratulations for holding the ASEAN and ADMM Plus chairmanships in 2022 at the meeting. The two leaders reviewed the full range of defence cooperation and talked about ways to strengthen bilateral ties between their two countries that would benefit both parties.