Indian Diaspora A Great Asset, Says Australian Deputy PM, Highlights Cricket Ties With PBKS

Last Updated:June 05, 2025, 11:58 IST

The Australian Deputy PM met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Wednesday

The Australian Deputy Prime Minister spoke to News18's Zakka Jacob in an interview. (News18)

Calling the Indian community a “great asset" to Australia, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said his country continues to benefit from the growing contributions of Indian-origin citizens and students.

“We are the beneficiaries. We welcome Indian students who come to study," Marles said, underscoring the people-to-people ties that have become a defining pillar of the India-Australia relationship.

Marles made the remarks during an exclusive interview with CNN-News18’s Managing Editor Zakka Jacob. the Australian Deputy Prime Minister was on an official visit to India.

The Australian Deputy PM met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Wednesday, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening strategic and defence cooperation.

Marles Highlights India-Australia Ties On Cricket

Speaking on the cultural ties that bind the two nations, Marles pointed to cricket as a shared passion and soft-power connector. “Punjab has Ricky Ponting as coach — a reflection of our shared love for the sport. There’s a significant Punjabi population in Australia," he noted.

Australia Backs India On Op Sindoor

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles has extended strong support to India’s counter-terror operations, including the recent ‘Operation Sindoor’, calling it a difficult but necessary decision. Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, Marles acknowledged the gravity of India’s retaliatory strikes against Pakistan and lauded the Indian leadership for its resolute response.

Reacting to the terror attack in Pahalgam, Marles during the interview said, “Firstly, we met with the news of what happened in Pahalgam with utter shock." Recalling the immediate response from Canberra, he added, “This was an appalling attack, and Prime Minister Albanese personally spoke to Prime Minister Modi almost immediately after these events to extend condolences to India in respect of the loss of lives."

Reaffirming Australia’s commitment to global anti-terrorism efforts, the Deputy PM noted, “Even today, we reiterated that solidarity. We stand with India and with all countries to combat terrorism, and we wanna continue to work with India in combating terrorism in all its forms around the world." Marles also praised India’s decision to maintain a ceasefire post-retaliation, calling it “an act of Indian leadership," underlining New Delhi’s measured and mature approach even in the face of provocation.

Abhro Banerjee

Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ...Read More

Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ...

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