India and Australia on Monday discussed the entire gamut of bilateral defence and strategic ties during the third Secretary-level 2+2 Dialogue here. The Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar and Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, while the Australian side was led by Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty and Foreign Secretary Frances Adamson.
During the dialogue, issues related to bilateral defence engagements, areas to enhance cooperation in the field of defence industry and defence technology as well as the prevailing regional security concerns were discussed, Defence Ministry officials said.
The Indian Defence Secretary conveyed his satisfaction on the ongoing defence engagements between the two armed forces and conveyed the commitment of the Defence Ministry to further enhance the Defence cooperation engagements, both in scope and complexity. Before the 2+2 dialogue, both the Defence Secretaries held a bilateral meeting, officials added.
Official sources said both sides also deliberated on the evolving situation in the Indo-Pacific region and resolved to work closely for regional peace, prosperity and stability. China has been fast expanding military and economic influence in the Indo-Pacific region, triggering concern in various countries of the region and beyond.
