Indian Minister Jaishankar holds Indo-Pacific talks in Australia

Indian Minister S Jaishankar said 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.

Jaishankar made the remarks addressing a press conference along with 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," Jaishankar said.

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.

Jaishankar said the talks were held about bilateral issues to see how India and Australia can shape a better region.

"We spoke about a whole lot of issues -- trade, economy, education, defence and security, clean energy and among the many agreements and understandings we reached. It is in our mutual interest to expand the diplomatic footprint in each other's country," he added.

Meanwhile, Penny Wong said, "India and Australia are comprehensive strategic partners. We are Quad partners. We partner in many other ways."

Jaishankar arrived in Canberra on Monday "to a Tiranga welcome". He will hold talks with the top leadership of Australia to further enhance bilateral cooperation.

(ANI)