India and Australia Explore Tighter Strategic Partnerships

S Jaishankar met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Delhi to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation. Their talks, held during the 17th India-Australia Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue, concentrated on Indo-Pacific strategies alongside regional and global issues.

Jaishankar highlighted numerous positive developments in India-Australia relations, focusing on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Discussions spanned economic, energy, and defense collaborations, with special emphasis on nuclear energy and critical minerals.

Both Jaishankar and Wong emphasized their commitment to advancing the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) while pursuing a more ambitious Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). Energy, defense, maritime security, and cultural exchanges, including sports collaborations, were also on the agenda.

The dialogue came after a morning Quad meeting with multiple international diplomats and demonstrated the strengthening ties and shared objectives between the two nations.

(With inputs from agencies.)