Dr. Jaishankar and Penny Wong Co-Chair 16th Framework Dialogue; Aim to Boost Indo-Pacific Cooperation
NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is co-chairing the 16th Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue (FMFD) with his Australian counterpart, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, in New Delhi today. The dialogue, which marks the 26th meeting between the two leaders, is aimed at advancing the multifaceted India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
Minister Wong arrived in the National Capital yesterday to participate in the high-level engagement, which is set against the backdrop of a rapidly shifting and increasingly competitive global environment.
In an official statement released ahead of the dialogue, Minister Wong underscored the profound significance of the bilateral ties. She stated that the CSP reflects the “deep alignment and shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.”
She emphasized that the partnership is not only crucial for both nations but also for the wider region, acknowledging that Australia and India have “never been closer and our partnership never more consequential.”
The 16th FMFD is expected to set the course for an “even more ambitious, future-focused agenda.” The discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation across several key domains:
Cyber and Strategic Technology: Deepening collaboration in critical and emerging technologies.
Trade and Economic Ties: Building on existing agreements and exploring negotiations for a new, ambitious free trade agreement.
Defence and Maritime Security: Working to strengthen interoperability, information sharing, and joint exercises, especially in the maritime domain.
People-to-People Ties: Further strengthening the “living bridge” of human and cultural exchange, which is central to the bilateral relationship.
Both Foreign Ministers are slated to review progress across these sectors, using the dialogue to leverage the partnership’s full potential.
Minister Wong affirmed that both Australia and India are committed to advancing collective security and prosperity, noting that they are actively working together bilaterally, through the Quad, and across various multilateral institutions.