Linda Reynolds to miss key security talks

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds will skip a high-profile security dialogue in India next month and a key ministerial meeting.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds will skip a high-profile security dialogue in India next month and a key ministerial meeting with Foreign Minister Marise Payne and their Indian counterparts, amid growing uncertainty over her future in the portfolio.

Senator Reynolds was expected to attend the prestigious Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on April 13, with Chief of Defence Angus Campbell and Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne.

She and Senator Payne were also scheduled to attend “2+2” meeting with India’s foreign and defence ministers, agreed under following talks between Scott Morrison and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Senator Payne told Senate estimates that Senator Reynolds had not yet confirmed her attendance at the dialogue, and had decided not to travel to India on medical advice.

“Given advice from her cardiologist, the senator will not attend,” she told Senate estimates.

Senator Payne said the “2+2” meeting with their Indian counterparts would be postponed, but she hoped it would go ahead later this year.

Senator Reynolds has been on medical leave since February 24 when she experienced heart issues amid intense criticism over her handling of a rape allegation made by her former staffer Brittany Higgins.

She avoided scrutiny over her handling of difficulties across her portfolio during Senate estimates on Wednesday, leaving Senator Payne to answer questions in her place as Acting Defence Minister.

Australia’s High Commissioner in New Delhi, Barry O’Farrell, told India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh last month that Minister Reynolds “very much looks forward to the upcoming Raisina Dialogue and hopes to meet you there in person”.

Australia is in the midst of ramping up its diplomatic and security engagement with Quadrilateral Security Dialogue partner India to counter growing regional assertiveness by China.

The Raisina Dialogue is one of Asia's top defence and strategic forums, attracting high-profile ministers and political leaders.

Senator Reynolds has a medical certificate until April 2 – Good Friday. She will return to work after Easter.

Prime Minister Morrison and Mr Modi ­elevated the Australia-India relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” last year, vowing to work together to strengthen the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific amid rising Chinese influence.

Soon after, India invited Australia to attend its Malabar naval exercise with Japan and the US.