India, Australia decide to broaden defence and security cooperation
The two ministers deliberated upon the prevailing situation in the Indo-Pacific and resolved to boost cooperation to ensure peace and stability in the region.
"EAM @SushmaSwaraj and Australian FM @MarisePayne took stock of defence and security partnership, discussed enhancing regional cooperation in Indo-Pacific, and collaboration in all aspects of the bilateral relationship," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
Payne arrived in New Delhi on Monday on a three-day visit.
A number of major powers including the US and Japan have been pushing for a greater role for India in the Indo-Pacific region.
In November 2017, India, the US, Australia and Japan gave shape to the long-pending "Quad" Coalition to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence.
India, the US and several other countries have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific against the backdrop of China's rising military manoeuvring in the region.
