Australia and India strengthened their defence and diplomatic ties during 2+2 Secretary-level consultations held in New Delhi on Monday. The high-level dialogue was co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, alongside Australian Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jan Adams.
The talks focused on consolidating the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between the two nations, which has been a cornerstone of their collaboration since 2020. Both sides highlighted the importance of deepening cooperation, not only bilaterally but also within the broader Indo-Pacific region. This growing partnership is aimed at promoting a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific amidst an evolving regional security environment.
In a statement, the Indian Ministry of Defence emphasised that the consultations would further benefit the region by fostering mutual understanding and joint efforts in areas like defence cooperation, security partnerships, and strategic engagement.
High-Level Meetings
The Secretary-level talks were preceded by separate high-profile meetings between Australian and Indian officials. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Jan Adams, the Secretary of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, earlier in the day to discuss the ongoing CSP and future initiatives. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar described the conversation as a vital step in reinforcing ties between the two nations.
“Pleased to receive Australian @dfat Secretary Jan Adams today in New Delhi. The exchanges and conversations between us befit our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Jaishankar wrote.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also met with Greg Moriarty, the Australian Defence Secretary, expressing optimism about strengthening bilateral defence cooperation. Singh posted on X, saying, “Was pleased to meet the Australian Secretary for Department of Defence, Mr. Greg Moriarty in New Delhi. Looking forward to further strengthening India-Australia defence cooperation.”
Strategic Importance for the Indo-Pacific
The India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) was established in June 2020 and serves as a crucial framework for both countries to collaborate on a range of issues, from defence to regional stability. According to Philip Green, the Australian High Commissioner to India, the Secretary-level meeting adds another “important brick” to the ongoing security partnership, keeping momentum in between the annual 2+2 Ministerial meetings.
“Another important brick in our intensifying security partnership. The India-Australia Secretaries’ 2+2 meeting today – taking place in the years between our Ministerial 2+2 – ensures we continue to build momentum,” Green posted on X.
Australia is one of only three nations with whom India holds annual leader-level summits, underlining the strength of their bilateral relationship. Leaders from both countries interact regularly at major international platforms, including the Quad, G20, and East Asia Summit. Their shared vision for a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific is driving closer defence, security, and diplomatic cooperation.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during the ASEAN-India Summit in Laos, further solidifying ties between the two nations on the international stage.
The latest round of 2+2 Secretary-level consultations reaffirms the commitment of both nations to enhance strategic, defence, and diplomatic collaboration in a rapidly changing regional landscape.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon and support honest and fearless journalism. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/TheAusToday
