New Delhi, Nov. 21: External Affairs Minister of India S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that there is real momentum in the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership as he and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong concluded the 14th Foreign Ministers Framework Dialogue in Delhi.

Addressing a joint press briefing alongside Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, Jaishankar said, “We have just concluded the 14th Foreign Ministers Framework Dialogue. We had a very good discussion which really covered a very large number of subjects. We took stock of where our ties are. We reviewed the progress meet on different initiatives, especially the follow-up with the first annual summit which took place between our Prime Ministers this year. There is real momentum in the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership.”

Acknowledging the presence of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in India during the G20 Summit in September, Jaishankar extended his thanks to FM Wong for Australia’s strong and consistent support during India’s G20 presidency.

He said he and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday held the second India-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers dialogue along with Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Wong, which turned out to be very productive.

“There are many firsts in our (India-Australia) relationship this year. We have made a new beginning with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the economic cooperation and trade agreement has entered into force and this is the first year, we are seeing its impact which has been very positive on our trade,” said the foreign minister.

“When our PM went to Australia, we established little India in Sydney. We saw new consulate Generals on both sides, Australians in Bengaluru, we are opening ours in Brisbane. More direct flight connections, the opening of the first Australian university campuses in India, an agreement on mutual recognition of educational qualifications migration and mobility arrangement. Today amongst other things, we also highlighted the importance of moving on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, the CECA negotiations…,” he added.

Jaishankar said the two countries also discussed the Quad at length and there is an inclination to push the envelope to find new convergences and fresh areas of cooperation.

“We discussed the Quad at some length today. Quad has made enormous progress in the last few years. There is a broad range of issues we are cooperating on. There is an inclination to push the envelope to find new convergences and fresh areas of cooperation. Today’s discussion was around what more we can do to add to the Quad…,” said Jaishankar.

Talking about the discussion on security issues, Jaishankar said India shared growing convergences with Australia and at the heart of it was a shared commitment to a free, open, inclusive, prosperous and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

“Penny Wong and I also spoke about terrorism, radicalism and extremism. We have cooperated very closely in forums, including the FATF. In terms of regional and global issues, we discussed in great detail what is the current situation in West Asia or the Middle East…We discussed Southeast Asia, ASEAN, where we actually approach it literally from the 2 ends. We would continue to work towards a rules-based international order. We will support freedom of navigation in international waters, and promote connectivity, growth, and security for all while respecting the territorial integrity…,” said the minister.

On current diplomatic relations between India and  Canada discussed with Australia, Jaishankar said, “Yes, I spoke about it to Minister Wong today. Australia has a good strong relationship with both our countries. So, it was important that Australia get our perspective on the issue. From our point of view, the key issue is really the space which is being given to extremism and radicalism in Canada.”

Meanwhile, Australian FM informed the reporters that Australia will be hosting the Indian Ocean Conference in Perth in February next year.

“We discussed among other things our work in the Indian Ocean Region and how we can collaborate on climate change, maritime security and health of the oceans. Australia and India share a lot… Australia will host the Indian Ocean Conference in Perth in February next year…,” Wong said.

On Australia-China relations, Wong said, “…China is a country with whom we will continue to engage. In the way which we describe, – we will cooperate where we can, we will disagree where we must and we will engage in our national interests.”-Agencies