'Talk fruitful on defence pact': Rajnath Singh after talks with Australian counterpart

New Delhi, Sept 11: Defence minister Rajnath Singh held discussions with his Australian counterpart, Peter Dutton, on developments in Afghanistan and spoke of building a robust relationship in a ‘fruitful’ manner. Talks took place a day ahead of the maiden ‘two-plus-two dialogue between the foreign and defence ministers of the countries.

 

 

 

Singh said, "I have had a very fruitful and wide-ranging discussion with Minister Dutton on our bilateral defence cooperation as well as regional issues. Both of us are keen to work jointly to realize 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. Both, Australia and India have tremendous stakes in peace, development and free flow of trade, rules-based order and economic growth in the region."

 

 

Further, the discussions emphasized "bilateral defence cooperation and expanding military engagements across Services, enhancing defence information sharing, cooperation in emerging defence technologies and mutual logistics support." Both the leaders noted with happiness that Australia joined the Malabar Exercise in 2020. "In this context we also expressed satisfaction in the continued participation of Australia in Malabar Exercise this year," he said.

 

 

Rajnath Singh also apprised Minister Dutton about India's recent efforts towards "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and growing innovation ecosystem in India. "We discussed opportunities to work together in Defence Science and Technology areas," he said. He also invited Australian industry to take advantage of India's liberalised foreign direct investment policies in the defence sector. Both agreed that there are opportunities of bilateral collaboration for co-development and co­ production.

 

 

"India is committed to building a robust partnership with Australia for security and growth of the entire region. I look forward to working with you, Excellency, to take the India-Australia defence partnership to greater heights," said Rajnath. Both ministers called for a free, open, inclusive and rule-based Indo-Pacific region amid the ongoing Chinese military assertiveness.