India-Australia strategic dialogue concludes

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, AUG. 30. India and Australia have concluded the inaugural round of their strategic dialogue, focusing on maritime security and threats to stability in the Indian Ocean and the South China sea.

According to a press statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, both sides specifically discussed the security situation in the Asia-Pacific region, maritime security, export controls and nuclear and missile non-proliferation.

Sources pointed out that Indo-Australian relationship are about to experience a new high, especially in the security arena.

Australia, for instance, is looking at India as a partner to ensure the safety of its commercial ships funneling through the Strait of Malacca.

India is going ahead with building a tri-service command in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. New Delhi also proposes to set up an air base at the Nicobar islands.

Once this command is in place, India will be better positioned to ensure the safety of ships bound for the Malacca strait. It will also be then well-equipped to carry out active surveillance missions in key parts of the region.

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Section  : National
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