S. Jaishankar Met Penny Wong, the Australian Foreign Minister; Discussed Cooperation Across the Indo-pacific Region

India’s thirtieth Minister of External Affairs Mr. S. Jaishankar held up a meeting with the Australian Foreign Minister Ms. Wong. They discussed about upholding free and open trade which will be based on rules of International Rules.

The Meet-up

S. Jaishankar met the Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Tokyo on Monday to discuss strengthening bilateral ties between India and Australia, particularly in areas of security, trade, and education. They also discussed a deepening practice cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region.

The meeting took place ahead of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which Jaishankar, Wong, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi attended.

In his opening remarks at the Quad meeting, Jaishankar emphasized that the Quad’s collaboration is essential to ensure that the Indo- Pacific remains “free, open, stable, secure and prosperous”. He also highlighted the need to uphold a rules-based order and send a clear message that the Quad is “here to stay, here to do and here to go”.

Wong, without directly naming China, stressed the importance of ensuring that “sovereignty is respected and competition is managed responsibly” in the Indo-Pacific region.

Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

The Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is a diplomatic gathering involving the foreign ministers of four countries: India, Australia, Japan, and the United States. The group, commonly referred to as the Quad, focuses on enhancing cooperation in various areas including security, trade, and regional stability, particularly in the Indo- Pacific region.

The Quad ministers reaffirm their dedication to maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo- Pacific region, opposing coercive actions threaten regional stability. The meetings involve strategic discussions on pressing issues such as maritime security, cybersecurity, and responses to challenges posed by countries like China and North Korea.

The Quad also addresses broader global challenges, including climate change and humanitarian assistance, while promoting sustainable development goals. After each meeting, the ministers typically issue a joint statement outlining their commitments and collaborative efforts, which often includes pledges to support regional partners in various capacities.

Major Outcomes of the Meeting

During the recent meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Tokyo, specific steps to intensify India-Australia bilateral ties were discussed, focusing on several areas:

1)Security Cooperation: Enhancing collaboration in security matters was a primary focus, reflecting both nations’ interests in maintaining stability in the Indo- Pacific region.

2)Trade Relations: The ministers emphasized the importance of strengthening trade ties, aiming to increase economic collaboration and mutual benefits.

3) Educational Exchange: There was a commitment to deepen educational cooperation, which may involve increasing student exchanges and academic partnerships.

4)Indo- Pacific Cooperation: The discussions included strategies for deepening practical cooperation can work together effectively in this vital region.