India, Oz committed to free & secure Indo-Pacific, says EAM

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said India and Australia shared an unprecedented level of mutual comfort and understanding, as he welcomed Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong for the 16th India–Australia Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue in New Delhi.

Jaishankar described the meeting as a key pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between the two nations, and underscored their shared vision for a “free, open and secure Indo-Pacific”.

“As we mark five years of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the warmth and ease of cooperation are there for all to witness. We have seen remarkable expansion across trade and investment, defence and security, education and skills, research and innovation, science and technology, space and energy, but most of all in our vibrant people-to-people ties,” said the EAM.

He noted that both countries had benefited from the close guidance of their Prime Ministers, and the dialogue would help review progress and chart priorities for the next phase of bilateral cooperation.

The External Affairs Minister also mentioned recent visits by Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, and by India’s Defence Minister to Australia to highlight growing collaboration in the field of defence. “Our large and complex bilateral and multilateral exercises, interoperability, and cooperation in maritime domain awareness and cybersecurity reflect the confidence in our relationship,” he added.

Jaishankar further expressed optimism, saying negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) would be concluded soon.

The minister also hailed the growing presence of Australian universities in India. “They have added an important dimension to our cooperation,” he stated.

Jaishankar also cited the India–Australia Renewable Energy Partnership launched at the previous Annual Summit. He thanked Canberra for supporting India’s Gaganyaan mission and welcomed Australia’s plans to launch a satellite aboard an Indian launch vehicle.

Acknowledging the “living bridge” formed by the Indian diaspora in Australia, the minister said democracies like India and Australia bore “a greater responsibility” in addressing shared challenges such as maritime security, resilient supply chains, counter-terrorism and climate action.

“It is essential that we sustain the strong momentum in our ties and deliver tangible outcomes through shared regional and global priorities,” he stated.

Discusses bilateral trade with Afghan Minister

• India and Afghanistan on Thursday discussed measures to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation during meetings between Afghan Minister of Industry and Commerce Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi and senior Indian ministers in New Delhi.
• EAM S Jaishankar said he was “pleased to meet” Azizi and that their talks focused on ways to enhance trade, connectivity and people-to-people ties.
• MoS for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada also met Azizi, noting that their discussions “reflected a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation”.