India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue: Dr S Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh met Australian counterpart Richard Marles

New Delhi, Nov 20: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in bilateral talks with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles in New Delhi on November 20, 2023. The ministers underscored their commitment to fortifying bilateral defence relations, emphasizing the increasing military cooperation between India and Australia. This collaboration encompasses joint exercises, exchanges, and institutional dialogue, reflecting a mutual dedication to enhancing strategic ties.

Rajnath Singh commended Minister Marles on the successful conduct of the multilateral exercise 'Malabar' by Australia in August, highlighting the positive trajectory of joint military endeavours.

Both leaders emphasized the need for greater cooperation in information exchange, maritime domain awareness, and ongoing discussions on Hydrography Cooperation and air-to-air refuelling.

Recognizing the evolving landscape of modern warfare, Rajnath Singh emphasized the significance of collaboration in niche training areas such as Artificial Intelligence, anti-submarine and anti-drone warfare, and the cyber domain.

The ministers deliberated on the potential for collaboration in shipbuilding, ship repair, maintenance, aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), as well as joint research in underwater technologies.

They also explored opportunities for collaboration between defence start-ups from both nations, acknowledging the value of jointly solving challenges.

The robust India-Australia defence partnership plays not only for the mutual benefit of both countries but also for enhancing overall security in the Indo-Pacific region.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, sharing insights on Twitter, described the meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles as productive. The leaders discussed recent developments in the Indo-Pacific strategic scenario, exchanged views on West Asia, and even touched upon the cricket match between India and Australia, extending congratulations to the latter.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong arrived in New Delhi on Monday for the second India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, to continue efforts to advance bilateral and global cooperation under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Wong is scheduled to participate in the 14th Foreign Ministerial Framework Dialogue (FMFD) on Tuesday with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, focusing on regional and global issues of mutual interest.