External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong held the 17th Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue in New Delhi. They discussed various aspects of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including economic, energy, defense, maritime security, science, technology, cyber issues, critical minerals, space, and sports cooperation.
The dialogue also covered topics like the Indo-Pacific region, the situation in West Asia, and other regional and global issues. Both ministers emphasized the strength and breadth of the bilateral ties between India and Australia, highlighting the positive developments over the past year, such as high-level meetings and visits.
EAM Jaishankar welcomed Minister Wong and her delegation, noting the progress in trade and investment discussions, the transition from Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) to Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Agreement (CECA), and the expansion of energy trade, including uranium supplies. The ministers also discussed defense exchanges, exercises, and potential space cooperation initiatives.
Penny Wong, in her announcements, mentioned new initiatives under the Quad framework, focusing on energy security, critical minerals, and support for port infrastructure in Fiji. She met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the growing India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across defense, trade, technology, and supply chain resilience, aiming for a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
