The visit coincided with the arrival of Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in the national capital to participate in the second India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. She received a warm welcome at the Air Force Station, Palam, in New Delhi.
Welcoming Wong, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted, “A warm welcome to FM @SenatorWong of Australia as she arrives in New Delhi to co-chair the 2nd India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue and the 14th Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue. A rich agenda of discussion covering various facets of India-Australia partnership awaits.”
The two Australian leaders are set to co-chair the India-Australia 2+2 dialogue with their Indian counterparts, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Expressing the significance of the India-Australia relationship, Richard Marles stated, “India is a top-tier security partner for Australia, and our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is one of practical, tangible actions that directly benefit the Indo-Pacific region.” Highlighting milestones in the defense relationship, Marles noted the Indian submarine visit to Perth and Australia’s hosting of Exercise Malabar.
“Our cooperation with India is at the heart of Australia’s approach to ensuring the Indo-Pacific remains open, inclusive, and resilient,” he added.
Emphasizing the centrality of the India-Australia partnership, Foreign Affairs Minister Wong stated, “Australia is committed to partnering with India more closely for the benefit of our region, in the Indian Ocean, in Southeast Asia, and in the Pacific.”
The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue serves as a cornerstone of the India-Australia relationship, providing an opportunity for the ministers to advance cooperation on shared regional interests, including defense, security, renewable energy, and technology. The dialogue reflects the commitment of both nations to shaping a region that aligns with their shared vision.
