Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had a telephonic conversation with Australian Minister for Defence Peter Dutton Tuesday when they reviewed the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries in the backdrop of the current regional situation.

Both ministers acknowledged the momentum that their cooperation had achieved following the upgradation of their partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in June 2020. The participation of Australia in Exercise MALABAR has been an important milestone in the enhanced partnership, it was felt.

Both sides reviewed the progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and expressed commitment to further elevate engagements between the two armed forces. Both ministers expressed their intent to convene the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue at the earliest, a statement from the Indian defence ministry said. 

Singh also thanked Australia for their assistance to India in the fight against COVID-19.