Australian FM arrives in Delhi for key dialogue with Jaishankar

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for the 16th Australia–India Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue, with both sides expected to map out a more ambitious agenda for the next phase of their expanding strategic partnership.

The visit comes as both nations step up consultations on regional dynamics, supply-chain resilience, critical technologies and defence cooperation, signalling a continued strengthening of the India–Australia strategic relationship.

Wong, who described India as one of Australia’s closest and most consequential partners, said her visit reflected the “high tempo of engagement” between the two countries and the Albanese government’s push to bolster regional resilience amid an increasingly competitive Indo-Pacific environment.

The talks on Thursday at Hyderabad House will focus on enhancing cooperation in cyber and strategic technologies, maritime security, defence, trade, sport and people-to-people ties. Both sides are also expected to review progress under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and coordination through the Quad.

Meanwhile, India and Australia have agreed to intensify joint research and academic cooperation in agriculture and water sustainability, with senior officials saying discussions this week centred on expanding collaborative science, boosting student and faculty exchanges and accelerating technology transfer between the two countries.

The renewed push followed the three-day fifth anniversary celebrations of the Australia–India Water Centre (AIWC), held from November 17 to 19 at Western Sydney University.