New Delhi, Aug 13 (UNI) India and Australia held the 6th Maritime Security Dialogue today in Canberra during which the two sides conferred on ways to sustain a safe and secure maritime environment conducive for inclusive growth and global well-being.
The Indian delegation was led by Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary, Disarmament & International Security Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, and the Australian delegation was led by Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary, South Asia & Central Asia Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Bernard Philip, First Assistant Secretary, International Policy, Department of Defence.
The two sides exchanged views on various topics of mutual interest, including the maritime security environment in the Indo-Pacific region, maritime domain awareness, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) coordination, regional and multilateral engagements and sustainable use of marine resources. This included cooperation in Search and Rescue (SAR), pollution response, blue economy and Port State control.
They discussed ways and means of further strengthening their bilateral cooperation in these areas. They also conferred on the way ahead for collaboration in maritime ecology pillar of the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI), a statement said.
It was agreed to hold the next round of the dialogue on a mutually convenient date in New Delhi.
UNI RN