India, Australia converge on security

Our Economic Bureau

New Delhi, Aug 31: India and Australia shared similar perceptions on a wide range of regional and global security issues at the inaugural Indo-Australia strategic dialogue held here on Thursday.

The dialogue was a follow up of the agreement reached between the two nations during external affairs minister Jaswant Singh’s visit to Australia in June.

The dialogue is also a significant addition to the range of ministerial and official-level contacts which have developed between the two countries since then, and provides for a new dimension to bilateral engagements as also expanding defence ties.

According to an official release, the talks have been open, constructive and wideranging, and demonstrated shared perspectives and common interests on a number of issues, including in those related to the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.
The agenda, encompassing four broad themes - global security issues, regional security issues, national security and defence policies, and arms control and disarmament.

The delegates discussed the role of the major powers, particular security situations in the Asia-Pacific region and the role of regional groupings, maritime security, export controls, nuclear and missile non-proliferation etc.

A special feature of the talks was the inclusion of senior defence and armed forces representatives as well as senior external affairs officials in each teams.

The Australian delegation was led by Bill Paterson, first assistant secretary, international security division, department of foreign affairs and trade; and included Ms Myra Rowling, first assistant secretary, strategic and international policy division, department of defence; and the deputy chief of army, Major Gen Peter Leahy.

The Indian delegation was led by Sheel Kant Sharma, joint secretary, disarmament and international security affairs, and included joint secretary from defence ministry BA Roy, and Arvind Gupta from the
national security council secretariat.