Australia and India to bolster defence ties amid Chinas growing influence

It was a great pleasure to have met with @rajnathsingh. Strengthening the India-Australia friendship & advancing our defence cooperation has been a long standing bedrock btw our two countries & now an even greater priority as we face shared security challenges across our region. pic.twitter.com/BgWulDQ5zl

India, a major buyer of military equipment, depended largely on the former Soviet Union during the Cold War. But it has been diversifying its purchases by choosing US equipment as well.

Dutton said in a statement after their talks that the two countries have been seizing the momentum to drive greater progress between their defence forces.

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"India's leadership is central to Australia's Indo-Pacific strategy. It is in the sovereign interests of us both to align our strategy, our capability, and our resources," he said.

The two sides are working to enhance Australia's posture in the Indian Ocean region by ramping up air force cooperation, maritime engagement and exercises, he said.

Had a very fruitful discussion with the Defence Minister of Australia, Mr Peter Dutton on the bilateral defence cooperation as well as regional issues.

Both of us are keen to work jointly to realize the full potential of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. pic.twitter.com/IDuYWuPObV

Australia's foreign and defence ministers are visiting Indonesia, India, South Korea and the United States to bolster economic and security relationships within the Asia-Pacific region, where tensions are rising with China.

Dutton and Foreign Minister Marise Payne are holding joint talks with their Indian counterparts on Saturday to discuss economic security, cybersecurity, climate, critical technology and supply chains, Payne said before leaving Australia.

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The meetings between India and Australia are taking place as their maritime forces are participating in the MALABAR 2021 exercise in the Philippine Sea.

The United States, India, Japan and Australia make up the four Indo-Pacific nations known as the Quad, which is seen as a counterweight to China. Beijing has called the Quad an attempt to contain its ambitions.

The United States is to host the Quad leaders later this month for a security dialogue.

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