New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had a telephonic conversation with Australian Minister for Defence Peter Dutton on June 01 and reviewed the defence cooperation between the two countries in the backdrop of the current regional situation.

Both Ministers acknowledged the momentum that defence cooperation between India and Australia has achieved following the upgradation of the partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in June 2020. The participation of Australia in Exercise MALABAR has been an important milestone in this enhanced partnership.

They expressed satisfaction at the growing defence ties between the two countries. They reviewed the progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and expressed commitment to further elevate engagements between the Armed Forces.

During the dialogue, both Ministers expressed their intent to convene the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue at the earliest.

Singh thanked Australia for their assistance to India in fight against COVID-19.