India Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

Table of Contents

The News

Both sides welcomed cooperation and coordination in confronting the challenges emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- They aimed to strengthen cooperation to promote fair, timely and equitable access to high quality, safe, effective and affordable COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and critical medical supplies globally including through COVAX.
Indian and Australian researchers are working together to advance COVID-19 screening and study the future health effects of the virus through projects funded by the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund.
Both sides will work on enhancing supply chain resilience and agreed to build convergence at multilateral, regional and plurilateral mechanisms to strengthen and diversify supply chains for critical health.

Both sides reiterated commitment to Joint Declaration on a Shared Vision for Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific in 2020.
Australia expressed support for India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative.
India & Australia emphasized on Code of Conduct in the South China Sea which should be fully consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to QUAD cooperation.
Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment towards environmental protection. Will work together to strengthen UNFCCC COP26, Global Biodiversity Framework, International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

Both sides also expressed deep concern about the situation in Afghanistan.
Ministers called for the Taliban to guarantee safe passage for foreign nationals and Afghans wanting to leave the country.
They reiterated calls on those in positions of power and authority across Afghanistan to adhere to counterterrorism commitments and human rights, in accordance with UNSCR 2593.

Both sides welcomed the continued participation of Australia in Exercise Malabar.
Continued collaboration between Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) of India and Defence Science & Technology Group (DSTG) of Australia.
Bilateral cooperation between on cyber security, innovation, digital economy, cyber and critical technologies.
Both sides welcomed the meeting of Joint Working Group on Critical Minerals in Sept 2021.
Early resolution towards India-Australia Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement needed.

Both sides will try to conclude the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement soon.
India-Australia welcomed successful conclusion of the first India-Australia Circular Economy Hackathon in 2021.
Australia welcomed India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 which paves the way for boosting collaboration between academic institutions of both countries.
Both sides look forward to holding the next 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in 2023.