In future strategy to expand cooperation in Indo-pacific region, India, Australia holds the first 2+2 talks.
The dialogue is the outcome of the decision to elevate India-Australia’s bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic collaboration.Â
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajath Singh held the two-plus-two talks in India with their Australian counterparts Marise Payne and Peter Dutton.
This meeting between the two countries’ external affairs and defence ministers helps rack up the prime ministers’ issues later in their scheduled appointments.
What is Two Plus Two Dialogue?
A ‘two plus two dialogue’ is a terminology accepted in the foreign summit in which any two countries’ defence and external affairs minister set up a dialogue mechanism.
Put, ‘two plus two dialogue’ is a term used to describe a meeting where the minister of defence and external affairs, in this case, meet up to discuss mutual countries’ strategies and security interests.
The goal of the gathering is to make a diplomatic yet productive conversation between the two countries’ respective heads of defence and external affairs.
Japan prefers to interact with other countries such as France, Russia, and Australia using this mechanism.
India has instituted the 2+2 dialogue primarily with Japan. Since 2010, both the countries have to practise a ‘two plus two dialogue’ mechanism almost annually, held considerably before the meeting of the two prime ministers.Â
Meeting’s Insight
The Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh, revealed that the discussion was productive. Later, Rajnath Singh tweeted that he had a fruitful conversation with Defence Minister of Australia, Peter Dutton.
Significant issues such as bilateral defence cooperation and regional issues were discussed. Moreover, both the ministers are keen to work together and unfold the full potential of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.Â
Later,he described the partnership as based on the mutual vision of a free, open, inclusive and rule-based Indo-Pacific region.
Moreover, both India and Australia supports the development and free flow of trades, peace, rules-based order and economic growth.Â
Meanwhile, Rajnath Singh discussed with Australian defence Minister, Jaishankar welcomed foreign minister Payne in the morning before the two-plus-two dialogue.
The discussion included some significant ongoing aspects associated with Afghanistan. The two ministers expressed their study over the delicate security situation in Afghanistan and the possibility of spreading terrorism from the Taliban.
Amidst persisting efforts by Quad member countries for increasing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, the ministers held the meeting. Â
In June last year, India and Australia elevated their ties to a broad strategic partnership. They signed a landmark deal for mutual access to military bases for logistics support during an online summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Recently in Malabar naval exercise, navies of the U.S., Japan, and India represented including Australia.
Emphasis on Terror
Amidst the Afghanistan terror attack in Taliban, the two plus two discussions also emphasized terrorism.
With the possibility of future terrorism, Dutton asserted, “Australia-India defence relationship is at a historic high.”
Marking the 20th anniversary of the tragic 9/11 terror attack, Jaishankar said, “Today is the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
It is a reminder of the importance of combating terrorism without compromise. Close as we are to its epicentre, let us appreciate the value of international cooperation to that end.” Other than India and Australia, it includes the U.S. and Japan.
The members aim to mutual agenda such as tackling security, economic and health issues.
The defence and military association between India and Australia has been an upsurge in the last few years.
The meeting took place amidst the Afghanistan-Taliban havoc, and likely the issue figured in the conversation.
Both parties thoroughly discussed mutual strategic interests, such as China’s expanding power over the Indo-Pacific region.
The talk aimed at strengthening strategic ties. However, four ministers will share details at a press conference.
