New Delhi — A bilateral meeting between India and Australia was held here today to discuss bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Visiting Australian Minister of Defence Kevin Andrews and Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju discussed intelligence sharing, combating international terrorism, cyber security and working relations for border and maritime security.
The ministers of the two countries also touched upon the issues of stability of Asia-Pacific region and security of sea lanes of communication.
The two government representatives appreciated the growing depth of the Australia-India strategic partnership that is building on converging interests, shared values and common democratic institutions. They also discussed bilateral collaboration across the security spectrum, including in counter-terrorism, cyber policy and maritime security.
Rijiju and Andrews also discussed the follow-up of the financial action task force in Brisbane, Australia, in June 2015 and addressed deficiencies in the implementation of the recommendations with regard to terror financing. Rijiju also raised the issue of sponsored terrorism by a neighbouring country and global efforts to curtail terror funding.
The Australian defence minister also discussed the situation in the Middle East and Afghanistan. He expressed his concern over the situation in those regions of the world.
The two sides agreed for enhanced cooperation in the areas of mutual interest. The visiting Australian Defence Minister is attending the second Australia-India defence ministers’ dialogue. The Australian delegation included the High Commissioner and defence attaches of Australia in India. Both the countries agreed to further enhance bilateral assistance in the areas of mutual cooperation and extend the cooperation to newer areas.
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