India, Australia hold first 2+2 talks

Smita Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 12

India and Australia today held the inaugural 2+2 talks with Foreign and Defence Secretaries from both sides focusing on bilateral strategic and defence relations. Foreign Secretary Dr S Jaishankar and Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra held the dialogue with their counterparts Frances Adamson and Greg Moriarty.

Developments in the Indo-Pacific with China’s rise, India’s prominent role in Australia’s first White Paper on Foreign Policy in 14 years, the road ahead for the revived Quadrilateral dialogue were part of discussions.

The External Affairs Ministry said, “There is a growing convergence of strategic perspectives between the two countries. Both sides agreed that a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region serves the long-term interests of all countries in the region and of the world at large.”

The 2+2 dialogue format was first proposed by then Australian PM Tony Abbott during his 2014 India visit. Over the past few months, both countries have seen increased partnership. Navy-to-navy talks as well as a maritime bilateral security dialogues were held recently.

The two foreign secretaries will be joined by the Japanese Foreign Secretary for fourth round of trilateral talks on Wednesday. Speaking on the trilateral talks, Australian High Commissioner to India Harinder Sidhu had said, “This is a very productive meeting with real meeting of the minds like the Quadrilateral. The three countries work together extremely well and share the perspective on current issues.”