India, Australia Strengthen Strategic Partnership in 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

New Delhi: In a significant move to bolster defense cooperation and deepen their strategic partnership, India and Australia held a 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue on Monday. The meeting, which brought together India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, marked the second India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.

Furthering 🇮🇳-🇦🇺 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership!

RM @rajnathsingh & EAM @DrSJaishankar warmly received Deputy PM & Defence Minister @RichardMarlesMP and FM @SenatorWong of Australia ahead of the 2nd 🇮🇳-🇦🇺 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.

Ministers will exchange views on deepening… pic.twitter.com/X0O3uJrmEY

— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) November 20, 2023

The dialogue focused on expanding the multifaceted India-Australia relationship, encompassing critical sectors such as defense and security, trade and investment, critical minerals, energy, climate change, science and technology, space, education, and people-to-people linkages. Regional and global issues also featured prominently on the agenda.

Prior to the dialogue, Wong and Marles paid tribute at the National War Memorial, honoring the sacrifices made by both nations’ soldiers. Wong underscored the historical depth of their military partnership, noting that Australian troops have fought alongside Indian forces in various campaigns, including at Gallipoli.