India, Australia review strategic ties in 2+2 secretarial talks

News:The third India-Australia Secretary-level 2+2 Secretaries Dialogue was held in New Delhi.

Facts:

About 2+2 Dialogue:

• The 2+2 is a format of dialogue where the defense and foreign ministers or secretaries meet with their counterparts from another country.
• The 2+2 dialogue between India and Australia at the Secretary-level was started in the year 2017.
• Currently,apart from Australia India has a 2+2 ministerial mechanism with the US and Japan.

Discussions between India and Australia under the 2+2 dialogue:

• The two countries discussed the areas for enhancing cooperation in the field of the Defence industry and Defence technology and issues related to the regional security.
• They also discussed the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement which will allow both countries to use each other’s military bases for logistical support.
• They have also deliberated on the evolving situation in the Indo-Pacific region and resolved to work closely for regional peace, prosperity and stability.
• They have agreed that a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo Pacific region serves the long-term interests of all countries in the region and the world at large.

Additional information:

India-Australia Relations:

• The bilateral relations between India and Australia have witnessed a convergence of strategic perspectives.
• The relationship between the two countries is based on the three C’s of cricket, curry and the Commonwealth.
• The relationship between the two countries was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2009 and had also adopted a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation.
• Both the countries have also inked a pact for civil nuclear cooperation in 2014.
• India and Australia also co-operate in various multilateral fora. Australia supports India’s candidature in an expanded UN Security Council.
• India’s trade in goods and services with Australia was approximately US$ 15.6 billion in 2016.
• India’s exports to Australia stood approximately at US$4.6 billion in 2016 while India’s import from Australia during the same period stood at US$11 billion.
• Australia is the second-most popular study destination for Indian students.
• Further,Australian Government has also launched New Colombo Plan to send more and younger Australians to India as a place to study and boost their own qualifications and experience.