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India-Australia Affirm Shared Vision for Free and Open Indo-Pacific

India and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Foreign Ministers from both countries co-chaired the 16th Framework Dialogue in New Delhi. They reviewed progress across multiple sectors including trade, defense, and technology. The meeting sets the stage for the next phase of engagement as the partnership marks five years in 2025.

Key Points: India Australia Foreign Ministers Dialogue Indo-Pacific Security

  • Ministers reviewed progress across trade, defense, and security cooperation pillars
  • Discussed regional developments and shared Indo-Pacific security concerns
  • Exchanged views on global supply chain resilience and economic uncertainties
  • Agreed to hold next Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue in Australia
2 min read

India-Australia affirm shared commitment to free, open, secure, Indo-Pacific

EAM Jaishankar and Australian FM Penny Wong co-chair 16th Framework Dialogue, review Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Indo-Pacific cooperation.

"As Indo-Pacific partners, we share the responsibility to maintain a free and open region. - EAM S Jaishankar"

New Delhi, November 20

Penny Wong, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia, paid an official visit to India on Thursday.

During the visit, EAM S Jaishankar and Wong co-chaired the 16th India-Australia Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue (FMFD) in New Delhi. They reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement.

As per the MEA, this was the fourth FMFD co-chaired by EAM and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

During the FMFD, the Ministers and progress under different pillars of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including trade & investment, defence & security, education & skills, research & innovation, science & technology, space, energy and people-to-people links. Regional and global issues of mutual interest were also discussed. The Ministers exchanged views on developments in the Indo-Pacific and affirmed their shared commitment to a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

MEA noted in its statement that during the visit, Foreign Minister Penny Wong also met National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval.

Highlighting that as India and Australia mark five years of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025, MEA said that her visit provided an opportunity to sustain the positive momentum in bilateral ties and to decide the agenda and course for the next phase of engagement. Both sides agreed to hold the next FMFD in Australia at a mutually convenient time.

On her visit, EAM Jaishankar said in a post on X, "Delighted to co-chair the 16th India-Australia Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue along with FM @SenatorWong of Australia in New Delhi this evening. Took detailed stock of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, its various facets and priorities, including trade & investment, defence & maritime, S&T, space, energy, education and people to people connect. As Indo-Pacific partners, we share the responsibility to maintain a free and open region. Our discussions also covered global & regional developments, resilience of supply chains, addressing economic uncertainties and cooperating on critical minerals."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Free and open Indo-Pacific is in India's national interest. Good to see our foreign policy working with like-minded partners. The focus on critical minerals and supply chain resilience is particularly important for our manufacturing sector.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the diplomatic efforts, I hope these discussions translate into concrete benefits for ordinary citizens. Sometimes these high-level meetings feel disconnected from ground realities. Would like to see more focus on student exchange programs and easier visa processes.
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Arjun K
Defence cooperation with Australia is a strategic necessity. Both countries face similar security challenges in the region. The timing of this dialogue is perfect as we approach 5 years of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
As someone working in the tech sector, I'm excited about the space and innovation collaboration mentioned. India and Australia can complement each other's strengths in technology and research. Hope this leads to more joint ventures and startup partnerships.
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Kavya N
The people-to-people links are what make this relationship special. So many Indians study, work and settle in Australia. This natural bond makes diplomatic cooperation much stronger. Looking forward to the next FMFD in Australia! 🙏

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