2+2 Dialogue

The first 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between India and Australia was held. Both sides decided to meet at least once every two years in this format to keep up the momentum.

About 2+2 Dialogue

• It refers to a dialogue mechanism between two countries’ defence and external affairs ministries. It is an expression used to indicate that two appointed ministers from each country will meet up to discuss the two countries’ strategic and security interests.
• India holds such talks with the US, Australia and Japan.

Key Highlights

• It will strengthen India-Australia bilateral relations and increase cooperation in various defence technologies and continue the dialogue between the Defence Research & Development Organization of India and Defence Science & Technology Group of Australia.
• Through the dialogue, both the countries looked forward to a balanced trade agreement that encourages expansion of trade and investment flows as well as advancing bilateral civil nuclear cooperation and their commitment to further strengthen global non-proliferation objectives.
• Both countries have also agreed to continue cooperation in the sphere of counter-terrorism, combating financing of terrorism, preventing exploitation of the internet for terrorism and violent extremism, strengthening law enforcement cooperation, information sharing and capacity building etc.
• They will also work in the fields of cyber Security, innovation and digital Economy and space technology.
• The countries have also committed to operational logistics support while exploring longer term reciprocal arrangements and reinforcing each other’s maritime domain awareness through information sharing and practical cooperation.

Shared Vision for the Indo-Pacific, Regional and Multilateral Cooperation

• Both the countries also presented a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific, Regional and Multilateral Cooperation such as cooperation in the maritime domain, climate change, regional stability, Afghan Peace Process, strengthening supply chain, COVID 19, counter terrorism, reforms in United Nations, and promoting a Rule based order.