Australian Deputy PM Marles and Foreign Minister Wong Engage in Discussions with NSA Ajit Doval

The high-level talks covered a broad spectrum of issues, focusing on global and regional developments, as well as bilateral security and defense cooperation. Maritime and space concerns, integral to the Global Commons, were deliberated upon, highlighting shared values and mutual respect between the two nations.

Leaders underscored the importance of supporting Indo-Pacific countries, ASEAN, Africa, the Global South, and the Pacific Islands in their sustainable development trajectories. Specific opportunities for long-term bilateral strategic cooperation were identified, reflecting the commitment to common interests.

Deputy PM Marles expressed his admiration for the warm sentiments shared by cricketers from both countries, past and present. Meanwhile, NSA Doval congratulated Australia on its World Cup Cricket victory, commending the tenacity, sportsmanship, and talent of Indian and Australian cricketers alike.

Foreign Minister Wong engaged in a Foreign Ministers Framework Dialogue with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, reinforcing the depth of bilateral relations. The discussions highlighted the crucial nature of the Canberra-New Delhi relationship, emphasizing mutual respect for sovereignty.

Earlier in the week, the India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue took place, with EAM Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participating alongside their Australian counterparts. Minister Wong underscored the significance of the bilateral relationship, expressing a commitment to further collaboration. Jaishankar acknowledged the rapid growth of ties and stressed the broader implications for the region. He termed the India-Australia partnership within the Quad format as “very beneficial” for bilateral relations and the Indo-Pacific region.