The statement by Richard Marles comes amidst repeated claims by US President Donald Trump that Washington played a role in helping India and Pakistan reach ceasefire
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Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles has praised India for the “tough decision” of reaching the ceasefire with Pakistan following the four-day military conflict last month, calling it an “act of Indian leadership”.
While talking to Network 18, Marles called the April 22 Pahalgam attack “appalling” and said PM Albanese was among the first global leaders to talk to PM Narendra Modi after the news broke.
“Firstly, we met with the news of what happened in Pahalgam with utter shock,” he said, when asked about India’s response to the terror attack.
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“This was an appalling attack, and (Australian) 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,” he said.
“Even today, we reiterated that solidarity. We stand with India and with all countries to combat terrorism, and we want to continue to work with India in combating terrorism in all its forms around the world,” the Australian Deputy Prime Minister said.
‘Ceasefire act of Indian leadership’
Speaking of the May 10 ceasefire between the two countries, Marles hailed it as an act of Indian leadership.
“We do acknowledge and welcome the stoppage in military activity. We actually see that as an act of Indian leadership,” he said.
“We see that there was an act of terror that we condemn, and in simple terms, we stand with India as we stand with all countries seeking to combat terrorism, and that’s where the strikes stand,” Marles said on being asked if people tend to forget the reason behind India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’.
“We look forward to working with India to combat terrorism in all its forms,” the Australian Deputy Prime Minister reiterated.
“Our Prime Minister very quickly extended his c