Australia and India Strengthen Maritime Ties in Indian Ocean

Australia and India held their 6th Maritime Dialogue, focusing on mutual maritime security and regional stability. Discussions covered a range of topics including Search and Rescue, pollution response, and sustainable marine resource use. Future dialogues were also agreed upon, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation.

Australia and India are stepping up their maritime cooperation in the strategically significant Indian Ocean region. Australia's envoy to India, Philip Green, emphasized the opportunities presented by the 6th Australia-India Maritime Dialogue held in Canberra for discussing shared priorities between their foreign and defense ministries.

The dialogue, held today in Canberra, saw the Indian delegation led by Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary of Disarmament and International Security Affairs, while the Australian side was represented by Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary for the South Asia and Central Asia Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Bernard Philip, First Assistant Secretary of International Policy, Department of Defence.

According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, the discussions aimed at maintaining a safe and secure maritime environment conducive to inclusive growth and global well-being. Key topics included maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, maritime domain awareness, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) coordination, regional and multilateral engagements, and sustainable marine resource use. The dialogue also addressed Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, pollution response, blue economy strategies, and Port State control measures. The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold the next dialogue in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date.