The second India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue is underway in New Delhi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles are co-chairing the Dialogue. During the dialogue, both Ministers will review the progress in bilateral defence cooperation and identify new avenues for collaboration. The discussions will focus on strengthening defence and security cooperation, enhancing military interoperability, industry collaboration, including co-development and co-production opportunities and regional and global security developments of mutual interest. The meeting is expected to further strengthen bilateral defence relations, enhance strategic trust and cooperation, promote stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region and identify new areas of collaborations in defence and security. In his initial remarks, Mr Singh said, the defence ties between India and Australia have strengthened significantly. The Minister said, he is looking forward to hear the insights of his Australian counterpart on potential of growth in India-Australia defence relations. Mr Marles said, Australia and India have elevated their defence partnership and both sides are doing a lot of work in the maritime domain. He said, both nations have never been more strategically aligned. The visit of Mr Marles follows the inaugural Dialogue held in Australia in October last year and reflects the growing momentum in the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Australia is a key partner in India’s vision of a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The visit underscores the growing depth and maturity of the India-Australia defence partnership.
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