External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on October 10 that he had held broad-ranging discussions on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its repercussions on the Indo-Pacific region with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong. Mr. Jaishankar made the remarks addressing a press conference along with Ms. Wong after both Ministers held the 13th India-Australia Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue (FMFD).
"We discussed Ukraine and its repercussions in the Indo-Pacific region, the progress in Quad, G-20 issues, our trilateral, some things related to IAEA and climate finance sustainable development goals," EAM Jaishankar said. He said the discussions held were underpinned by the fact that "as liberal democracies, we both believe in the rules-based international order, in freedom of navigation in the international waters, in promoting growth connectivity and security of all and ensuring that countries make sovereign choices in matters that are important today."
As the chair of G20 next year, Australia's views and interests will be very important, he said. He expressed gratitude to Australia for joining India in celebrating the 75th anniversary of India's independence by decorating Australia's iconic sites. Mr. Jaishankar said the talks were held about bilateral issues to see how India and Australia can shape a better region.
