Defence Cooperation, Security Key Focus Of Talks Between Australian Deputy PM And NSA Doval

During the meeting, India and Australia underscored the shared values, common heritage, and mutual respect that serve as a strong foundation for advancing common strategic interests.

NSA Ajit Doval with Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles. (Image source: ANI)

Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in Delhi on Tuesday. The two nations discussed a range of issues, including global and regional developments as well as bilateral security and defence cooperation. Different challenges and opportunities in the domains of maritime and space, which form part of the Global Commons, were discussed, reported news agency ANI.

During the meeting, both sides underscored the shared values, common heritage, and mutual respect that serve as a strong foundation for advancing common strategic interests. The imperative to support the development trajectories of countries in the Indo-Pacific, ASEAN, Africa, Global South, and Pacific Islands in line with their priorities and sustainability goals was also emphasized. The leaders identified specific opportunities for long-term bilateral strategic cooperation.

Deputy PM Richard Marles expressed his admiration for the warm and positive sentiments from cricketers, both past and present, on both sides. The leaders were congratulated by the National Security Advisor for Australia's victory in the World Cup Cricket finals, with admiration for the tenacity, sportsmanship, and talent displayed by Indian and Australian cricketers.

Earlier on Monday, India and Australia, in their second India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue on Monday, resolved to bolster their strategic partnership, particularly focusing on addressing challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and globally, with a specific emphasis on defence cooperation. According to news agency PTI, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in discussions with Marles and Wong as part of the ministerial dialogue.

Jaishankar highlighted the rapid growth of the India-Australia bilateral relationship amid increasing global uncertainty. He stressed the need to ensure regional stability in the face of sharper polarization and deeper stresses, advocating for daily efforts to build and act for stability. Marles acknowledged that China is both the largest trade partner and the biggest security concern for both India and Australia. Emphasizing their shared oceanic proximity, Marles underscored the crucial importance of collaboration on maritime domain awareness.

Jaishankar emphasized the exceptional challenges faced by India and Australia, calling for joint planning to address these challenges, whether they be man-made or related to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) situations. Singh highlighted the significance of Defence as a crucial pillar in the India-Australia strategic partnership, expressing the commitment to strengthening bilateral relations affirmed at the highest levels.

During a bilateral meeting, Singh and Marles agreed on the positive impact of a strong bilateral Defence partnership on the security of the Indo-Pacific region. Both ministers recognized the potential for deepening cooperation in the Defence industry and research, with a focus on areas such as shipbuilding, ship repair, maintenance, and aircraft maintenance, PTI reported.

Singh congratulated Marles on the successful conduct of the multilateral exercise 'Malabar' by Australia in August. The ministers emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in information exchange and maritime domain awareness, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Defence relations. They expressed satisfaction with the increasing military-to-military cooperation, including joint exercises, exchanges, and institutional dialogue.

Discussions are underway to finalize implementing arrangements on hydrography cooperation and cooperation for air-to-air refuelling. Singh proposed cooperation in niche training areas like artificial intelligence, anti-submarine and anti-drone warfare, and the cyber domain. The ministers also explored collaboration in joint research on underwater technologies and discussed partnerships between Defence start-ups of both countries. Overall, the ministers agreed that a robust India-Australia Defence partnership is beneficial for both countries and contributes to the overall security of the Indo-Pacific.

(With PTI inputs.)