India, Australia decide to boosting strategic ties as their diplomats and protection chiefs maintain talks

NEW DELHI — India and Australia on Tuesday mentioned they have been dedicated to boosting financial and strategic ties, as their high diplomats shared issues over China, regional safety and the Israel–Hamas struggle.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met together with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong a day after the 2 together with the nations’ protection chiefs held talks in New Delhi.

Jaishankar mentioned he and Wong took inventory of their rising ties in commerce and protection, and there was “a real momentum” of their relationship.

The Indo-Pacific was a key precedence for each nations, they mentioned. Both Jaishankar and Wong mentioned their nations are dedicated to a free, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific area.

While neither of them named China, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles on Monday mentioned China remained a high concern for India and Australia.

“For both of us, China is our biggest trading partner. For both of us, China is our biggest security anxiety,” Marles mentioned.

After Canberra angered Beijing in 2018 by banning Chinese telecommunications big Huawei from rolling out the nation’s 5G, financial ties have improved since Australia voted in a center-left authorities in 2022. But they proceed to compete over affect within the Asia-Pacific.

For India, a yearslong navy standoff alongside the shared however disputed border with China has exacerbated tensions and introduced ties to a historic low.

India and Australia are additionally working to strengthen the Quad, a safety alliance that additionally contains Japan and the United States.

Jaishankar additionally mentioned that Hamas‘ attack on Israel on Oct. 7 was an act of terrorism. He called the situation in Gaza a “humanitarian crisis” that needs urgent assistance.

Wong said she shared India’s view and added the humanitarian scenario in Gaza was dire. She additionally highlighted the necessity for “Israel to observe in its actions international law, including the protection of civilians”.

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Associated Press author Rod McGuirk in Canberra, Australia, contributed to this report.