India-Australia to discuss security, defence issues

India-Australia to discuss security, defence issues

India and Australia will discuss the entire gamut of security and defence issues during Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith talks with his Indian counterpart AK Antony here on December 7. The main issues on the agenda include safety of sea lanes in the Indian Ocean, joint training and exercises, terrorism and implications for India after recent Washington announcement to base US Marines in Australia.

Australia is part of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) initiated by India. The IONS was formed a few years back to forge closer ties between nations on the rim of the Indian Ocean and jointly address various maritime issues like piracy, ensuring security of sea lanes for unhindered trade through sea and terrorism.

Incidentally, Smith’s visit comes days after Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard proposed sale of uranium to India’s nuclear reactors. Smith had backed the proposal.

Australia is keen to enhance military-to-military relations with India through joint training and exercises and service officers of the two countries visiting each other’s defence establishments on a regular basis. The Navies of two countries regularly carry out joint exercises.

The two Ministers will review the whole spectrum of issues covered by these pacts.