New Delhi: In the recent India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held in New Delhi, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored the growing significance of defence as a key pillar in the strategic partnership between the two nations. Singh emphasized that the collaborative efforts between India and Australia not only serve mutual interests but also contribute to fostering peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Highlighting the continuous deepening and diversification of cooperation between the two countries, Rajnath Singh expressed optimism about the positive impact of the India-Australia partnership. “The India-Australia partnership will work well not just for the mutual benefit of both our countries but also for the overall peace, security, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific,” he stated during the dialogue.
Referring to the previous 2+2 Ministerial meeting in 2021, the Defence Minister noted the consistent deepening of cooperation in various fields such as defence, trade, education, science and technology, and people-to-people ties. He acknowledged the upward trajectory in the bilateral relationship and the strong consensus on both sides.
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Rajnath Singh extended gratitude to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles for their visit to New Delhi to participate in the dialogue. He expressed confidence that the meeting would further strengthen the already robust relationship between India and Australia, characterized by a comprehensive strategic partnership.
During the dialogue, Rajnath Singh highlighted the importance of defence in the India-Australia strategic partnership, noting that it has become a crucial pillar. He reiterated the commitment to enhancing bilateral ties, as evidenced by the reaffirmation at the highest levels during summit-level talks and multilateral forums.
Acknowledging the bilateral meeting with Australian Deputy PM Marles, the Defence Minister stated, “I had the opportunity to take forward some important initiatives with Minister Marles through our bilateral engagements.” The discussions encompassed various aspects of bilateral defence cooperation.
Rajnath Singh concluded by expressing the determination to elevate the partnership to the next level through the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. The dialogue serves as a cornerstone in the India-Australia relationship, providing an opportunity for both nations to collaborate in shaping the desired future of the region.
