India, Aus talks focus on defence, regional security

India and Australia on Monday held talks centered around deepening military cooperation in critical areas including anti-submarine warfare and air-to-air refuelling, security in the vast Indo-Pacific region amid China’s rising influence, hydrography cooperation and strengthening ties in sectors such as critical minerals, space, education, and science and technology.

- Rahul Singh

The two sides also discussed pressing geopolitical issues, including the crisis in West Asia and the war in Ukraine.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh and external affairs minister S Jaishankar met their Australian counterparts Richard Marles and Penny Wong in New Delhi for the second India and Australia 2+2 dialogue during which they discussed the key issues relating to taking the strategic partnership to the next level.

In his opening remarks, Singh said that the dialogue will give further impetus to the already strong relationship between the countries while stressing that the robust partnership augurs well not only for mutual benefit but also for the overall peace, prosperity and security of the Indo-Pacific region.

“Defence has become one of the most important pillars of our strategic partnership. We will move ahead today to take this partnership to the next level,” Singh said.

Jaishankar drew attention towards the exceptional challenges in the region, including those involving rule of law and how, as comprehensive strategic partners, it was important for the two countries to plan for these exceptions.

“The India-Australia bilateral relationship has grown rapidly and has larger implications for the region, and a lot of other countries look to us as a factor of stability and security. This has happened at a time of increasing uncertainty in the world which is seeing sharper polarisation and deeper stresses,” Jaishankar said.