Canberra: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar today met Defence Minister Richard Marlas during his visit to Australia. He said the growing defence-security cooperation between the two countries will ensure peace, prosperity and a rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.

The two leaders also discussed regional and global security challenges. Significantly, China’s aggressive stance in the Indo-Pacific region continues.

Jaishankar also presented a cricket bat signed by former Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli to the Australian Defence Minister on the occasion. The United States and other countries of the world, including India and Australia, are committed to maintaining the freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.

India, the US, Australia and Japan have also formed the Quad group to deal with China’s challenges in the region.

Earlier, in a joint media conference with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Jaishankar said India wants to make Australia a partner in the education sector.

India and Australia are also taking steps to amend the agreement on double taxation.

Earlier, the Indian External Affairs Minister was given a ‘Tiranga Welcome’ on his arrival here. The country’s old parliamentary building was painted in the colour of the tricolour with lights.

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