Jaishankar concludes key Australia visit, deepens strategic ties

The Indian EAM addresses global peace, dual citizenship & bilateral ties

Brisbane, November 7 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar concluded a significant five-day visit to Australia, highlighting India's commitment to bolstering its partnership with Australia. The visit, his fifth in three years and second in 2024, underscored the growing importance of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which continues to evolve across a range of sectors from security to economic ties.

During his visit from November 3-7, EAM Jaishankar met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, where the two leaders discussed pressing bilateral, regional, and global issues. His engagements extended to Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, Leader of Opposition Peter Dutton, and members of the Parliamentary Friends of India in Canberra. These high-level dialogues reflect a shared vision for deeper collaboration in addressing regional security and other mutual interests.

A cornerstone of the visit was the 15th Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue (FMFD) in Canberra, co-chaired by EAM Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Penny Wong. The dialogue covered a wide array of areas, including political strategy, defence, trade, investment, education, and mobility, as well as broader international challenges. This annual platform serves as a vital opportunity to align on priorities and solidify cooperation.

In a noteworthy development, EAM Jaishankar inaugurated the Consulate General of India in Brisbane, fulfilling a commitment

made by India’s Prime Minister Modi during his Sydney visit in May. The new consulate, opened with Governor Jeanette Young, will facilitate services for the Indian community and further enhance diplomatic outreach in Australia.

On November 5, Jaishankar addressed the inaugural session of the 2nd Raisina Down Under conference in Canberra, organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). This conference brought together key leaders to discuss Indo-Pacific stability, economic strategies, and geopolitical dynamics. In a trilateral session, EAM Jaishankar joined Foreign Minister Penny Wong and New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, fostering dialogue on regional security and cooperation.

In a separate meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Peters of New Zealand, Jaishankar discussed strengthening ties in education, technology, agriculture, dairy, and people-to-people connections— emphasizing the significance of regional cooperation for sustainable growth.

The visit reinforced India’s commitment to enhancing its strategic ties with Australia and maintaining regular, high-level engagement. As both nations face evolving challenges in the Indo-Pacific, this visit set a path forward for robust and resilient collaboration across multiple sectors.