The Third India-France-Australia Trilateral Focal Points Meeting focused on assessing the progress achieved under the three main pillars of trilateral cooperation: maritime safety and security, marine and environmental cooperation, and multilateral engagement.
The discussions on June 19, 2024 highlighted new proposals aimed at further enhancing trilateral cooperation. These proposals fall under the frameworks of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) mechanisms. The dialogue also covered cooperation in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and other multilateral engagements.
The Indian delegation was led by Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Europe West), and Ms Paramita Tripathi, Joint Secretary (Oceania and Indo-Pacific). Representing France was Benoît Guidée, Director (Asia and Oceania), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Australian side was led by Ms. Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary, South and Central Asia Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
India, Australia, and France reaffirmed their commitment to advancing shared values and working collaboratively towards a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. This reaffirmation underscores the nations’ dedication to maintaining regional stability and fostering an environment of mutual trust and cooperation.
The trilateral meeting signifies a robust commitment to joint action in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing common challenges and advancing mutual interests. Through such engagements, the three nations aim to bolster their strategic partnerships and contribute to regional peace and prosperity.