In the national capital, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong held a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The discussions encompassed a wide array of topics, delving into global and regional developments, bilateral security, and defense cooperation.

The exchange covered various challenges and opportunities within the realms of maritime and space, both integral components of the Global Commons. The deliberations aimed at fostering a comprehensive understanding of shared concerns and potential collaborations in these critical domains.

The leaders underscored the foundation of their robust relationship, emphasizing common values, shared heritage, and mutual respect. These elements provided a strong basis for advancing common strategic interests between the two sides.

During the discussions, both parties highlighted the imperative of providing support to nations in the Indo-Pacific, ASEAN, Africa, Global South, and Pacific Islands. The shared commitment aimed to facilitate the advancement of these countries' development trajectories in alignment with their priorities and in a sustainable manner. The meeting served as a platform for a collaborative approach to addressing regional challenges and fostering mutual cooperation in various geopolitical arenas.

The discussions also led to the identification of particular opportunities for long-term bilateral strategic cooperation between the two sides. Deputy Prime Minister Marles conveyed his deep appreciation for the warm and positive sentiments shared among cricketers, both past and present, from Australia and India.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval extended congratulations to the leaders for Australia's triumph in the World Cup Cricket finals. He expressed admiration for the remarkable tenacity, sportsmanship, and talent demonstrated by cricketers from both India and Australia. The exchange highlighted the significance of sports diplomacy in fostering positive relations between the two nations.

Currently, Foreign Minister Wong is engaged in a Foreign Ministers Framework Dialogue with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in the national capital. The India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue unfolded, featuring the participation of Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh alongside their Australian counterparts, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles. The meeting marked a significant diplomatic exchange, fostering discussions on key bilateral and regional matters between India and Australia.

In her opening statements, Wong expressed Canberra's deep appreciation for its bilateral relationship with New Delhi, emphasizing its significance in a region where sovereignty is held in high regard. She highlighted the substantial collaborative efforts between the two nations and expressed the aspiration for further cooperation.

During the meeting, Jaishankar acknowledged the rapid growth of the bilateral relationship between India and Australia, emphasizing its broader implications for the region. He specifically lauded the mutually beneficial partnership in the Quad format, describing it as instrumental for both bilateral relations and the broader Indo-Pacific region. The discussions underscored the commitment of both nations to strengthening their ties and contributing to regional stability.

Image source: ANI