New Delhi, Sep 11 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed his appreciation for the productive discussions held during the India-Australia inaugural 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, and pointed out that this was a sign of growing strategic convergence between both countries.
He conveyed this when Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton called on him on Saturday evening, after the conclusion of the 2+2 dialogue with their Indian counterparts here.
A number of issues were discussed during the meeting, including possibilities of further expanding bilateral strategic and economic cooperation, the common approach of both countries towards the Indo-Pacific region, and the growing importance of the Indian community in Australia as a human-bridge between both sides, said an official statement.
Prime Minister Modi conveyed his appreciation for the role that Prime Minister Scott Morrison has played in rapidly advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership instituted between both countries last year. He renewed his invitation to Prime Minister Morrison to visit India at his earliest convenience.
Earlier, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in a tweet: “Call on PM @narendramodi by Australian FM @MarisePayne
and Defence Minister @PeterDutton_MP.
“Our Leaders’ guidance and commitment to the India-Australia relations has lent significant momentum to our ties.”
Payne and Dutton had earlier in the day held talks with their Indian counterparts, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The inaugural 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue was held pursuant to the elevation of India-Australia bilateral relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the India-Australia Leaders’ Virtual Summit on June 4, last year between PM Modi and Australian PM Scott Morrison.
UNI/RN