The peaceful development of the Pacific is at the heart of our relationship. Jaishankar

(PTI) New Delhi, Dt

India and Australia on Saturday in New Delhi discussed the current crisis in Afghanistan, maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region and cooperation in several bilateral groups such as the Quad. India held its first ever 5 + 2 ministerial level talks with Australia in New Delhi on Saturday. During the meeting, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Subramanian Jaishankar met their Australian counterparts Peter Dutton and Maris Payne to discuss the Afghanistan crisis.

After a serious discussion on bilateral and regional issues, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said the 5 + 2 meeting underscored the importance of a comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Australia. India and Australia can form an important partnership, based on a joint vision of an independent, free, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

He added that in the form of two democracies, we have a common interest in the peace and prosperity of the entire region. We discussed various institutional frameworks for collaboration on a wide range of topics, including defense cooperation and the fight against global epidemics. We also discussed the current crisis in Afghanistan. Issues such as maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, multilateral groups and cooperation in other related topics were also discussed at the meeting. The peaceful development of the Pacific region has been the focus of our relations.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also described the 5 + 2 meeting with Australia as productive. He said the debate was taking place at a time when the world was watching the situation in Afghanistan after the Taliban took power. The two countries are holding a discussion meeting at a time when issues like the Koro epidemic and the Afghanistan crisis are at the center of global discussions. In addition, the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations.

Jaishankar said the meeting was crucial for the preparation of another meeting of the Prime Ministers of the two countries in the United States later this month. This meeting will give us an opportunity to review the strategic relationship and take it further. Quad leaders will attend a meeting in the U.S. later this month. During the discussion, the two sides stressed the need to ensure free flow of trade, adherence to international norms and standards and ensuring sustainable economic development in the region as a whole. The 5 + 2 meeting between the two countries is the result of decisions taken at a virtual summit between the leaders of India and Australia.