India and Australia Strengthen Maritime Security Ties in Canberra Dialogue

The sixth India-Australia Maritime Security Dialogue was held in Canberra, discussing the maritime security environment in the Indo-Pacific region, SAR, and blue economy. Both sides agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation and hold the next dialogue in New Delhi on a mutually convenient date.

During the sixth India-Australia Maritime Security Dialogue in Canberra, senior officials from both nations discussed key strategies to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment, according to an official MEA release.

The Indian delegation, led by Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs' Disarmament and International Security Affairs, exchanged views with the Australian delegation headed by Sarah Storey and Bernard Philip. Topics included the maritime security environment in the Indo-Pacific region, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and coordinating Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).

Further discussions focused on bolstering bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, pollution response, sustainable marine resource use, and Port State control under the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI). The next round of dialogue is set to be in New Delhi at a mutually convenient time.

(With inputs from agencies.)