Rajnath discusses Covid-19 situation, bilateral defence ties with his Australian counterpart

New Delhi, Jun 1 (Bureau) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday discussed Covid-19 situation, bilateral defence ties with his Australian counterpart Peter Dutton including issues of mutual interests. In a telephonic conversation with Australian Defence Minister, the two leaders discussed about the measures taken by both the countries to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharing the details of the talk on Twitter, Mr Rajnath Singh said that India and Australia share a warm and people to people contact underpinned by a strategic partnership.

“India remains fully committed to the implementation of comprehensive strategic partnership with Australia. Both sides look forward to convening the Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue at the earliest opportunity,” Singh said in a tweet message. Both ministers also discussed the steps being taken by their respective countries in curbing the spread of the Covid 19 pandemic. He also thanked the Australian armed forces for the support rendered to New Delhi in its fight against the Covid-19. “It is heartening to note that the Australian Armed forces have wholeheartedly supported India in its fight against COVID-19,” Mr Singh further said.

Australia had sent a consignment of 60 oxygen concentrators, 1056 ventilators and other medical supplies to India. The comprehensive strategic partnership was in line with New Delhi’s increasing engagement in the Indo-Pacific region through her Indo-Pacific vision and Canberra’s Indo-Pacific approach and its Pacific Step-Up for the South Pacific. The two counties also share the vision of an open, free, rules-based Indo-Pacific region supported by inclusive global and regional institutions that promote prosperous, stable and sovereign states on the basis of shared interests.