India-Australia Strengthen Strategic Ties: Second 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue Advances Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

On November 20, 2023, in New Delhi, India hosted the second India-Australia 2+2 Defence and Foreign Ministerial Dialogue, featuring discussions led by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister H.E. Mr. Richard Marles and Foreign Minister H.E. Ms. Penny Wong of Australia. The dialogue encompassed a broad spectrum of strategic, defense, and security topics, addressing bilateral, regional, and global interests to further enhance cooperation within the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Emphasis was placed on fostering minilateral and multilateral collaboration, with a specific focus on shared priorities.

Following the 2+2 Dialogue, Raksha Mantri engaged in a bilateral meeting with Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, who had previously visited India in June 2022 shortly after assuming his current position. Additionally, on November 21, 2023, External Affairs Minister and Foreign Minister Wong conducted the 14th Foreign Ministerial Framework Dialogue (FMFD), evaluating the progress of cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and exchanging perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual concern. The event marked the continuation of diplomatic dialogues initiated with the elevation of the Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the first Virtual Summit held on June 4, 2020.