New Delhi, June 01: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh had a telephonic conversation with his Australian counterpart Peter Dutton and reviewed the defense cooperation between the two countries in the backdrop of the current regional situation.

 

 

During the conversation, Rajnath reiterated India's full commitment towards a comprehensive strategic partnership with Canberra. Both the leaders has also agreed to convene the Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue at the earliest opportunity. Singh tweeted, "Spoke to Australian Minister for Defence, Peter Dutton about the measures taken by both the countries to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. India and Australia share a warm and people to people contact underpinned by a strategic partnership,"

 

 

 

Rajnath and Dutton further acknowledged the momentum that defense cooperation between India and Australia has achieved following the up-gradation of the partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in Jun 2020. The participation of Australia in Exercise MALABAR has been an important milestone in this enhanced partnership.

 

  

 

They have also expressed satisfaction at the growing defense ties between the two countries. Both sides reviewed the progress on various bilateral defense cooperation initiatives and expressed commitment to further elevate engagements between the Armed Forces. He also expressed his gratitude to the Australian Armed Forces for supporting India during the second wave.

.

.