India-Australia relation based on “open” Indo-Pacific region, says Rajnath Singh
The Hindu
Rajnath Singh said both sides will expand military engagements. The Australian minister referred to India’s role in the region as “essential”.
India’s strategic partnership with Australia is based on “free” and “open” Indo-Pacific region, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday. Welcoming his Australian counterpart Peter Dutton who is here for the , Mr Singh said both sides will expand military engagements. The Australian Minister referred to India’s role in the region as “essential”. “Both of us are keen to work jointly to realise the full potential of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This partnership is based on our shared vision of free, open, inclusive and rule-based Indo-Pacific region,” said Mr.Singh in his remarks at the joint press statement. The two ministers held a round of discussion on bilateral defence cooperation and expanding military engagements “across Services” that will enhance defence information sharing, cooperation in emerging defence technologies and logistics support. The discussion on the overall defence cooperation with Australia took place even as both sides conducted ‘AUSINDEX’, a bilateral maritime exercise which concluded on Friday. The exercise included complex surface, sub-surface and air operations involving ships, submarines and Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft of India and Australia. Australia joined the Malabar Exercise in 2020 and Canberra is keen that India join its biggest war games ‘Exercise Talisman Sabre’ in 2023.More Related News