News:The third India-Australia Secretary-level 2+2 Secretaries Dialogue was held in New Delhi.
Facts:
About 2+2 Dialogue:
- The 2+2 is a format of dialogue where the defense and foreign ministers or secretaries meet with their counterparts from another country.
- The 2+2 dialogue between India and Australia at the Secretary-level was started in the year 2017.
- Currently,apart from Australia India has a 2+2 ministerial mechanism with the US and Japan.
Discussions between India and Australia under the 2+2 dialogue:
- The two countries discussed the areas for enhancing cooperation in the field of the Defence industry and Defence technology and issues related to the regional security.
- They also discussed the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement which will allow both countries to use each other’s military bases for logistical support.
- They have also deliberated on the evolving situation in the Indo-Pacific region and resolved to work closely for regional peace, prosperity and stability.
- They have agreed that a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo Pacific region serves the long-term interests of all countries in the region and the world at large.
Additional information:
India-Australia Relations:
- The bilateral relations between India and Australia have witnessed a convergence of strategic perspectives.
- The relationship between the two countries is based on the three C’s of cricket, curry and the Commonwealth.
- The relationship between the two countries was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2009 and had also adopted a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation.
- Both the countries have also inked a pact for civil nuclear cooperation in 2014.
- India and Australia also co-operate in various multilateral fora. Australia supports India’s candidature in an expanded UN Security Council.
- India’s trade in goods and services with Australia was approximately US$ 15.6 billion in 2016.
- India’s exports to Australia stood approximately at US$4.6 billion in 2016 while India’s import from Australia during the same period stood at US$11 billion.
- Australia is the second-most popular study destination for Indian students.
- Further,Australian Government has also launched New Colombo Plan to send more and younger Australians to India as a place to study and boost their own qualifications and experience.
