Canberra: India and Australia on Monday reviewed the bilateral Framework Dialogue between the two Foreign Ministers and underlined a strong bond and enduring shared interests that underpin their growing relationship.
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee met with his Australian counterpart Stephen Smith here and reaffirmed that the two countries were committed to take bilateral talks to a new and high level. Reviewing the Framework Dialogue mechanism, which held its last meeting in 2005, Mukherjee and Smith welcomed the diversification and strengthening of political links between India and Australia.
The two ministers also emphasised that regular high-level political contact would continue to underpin bilateral relations, according to a joint statement issued here.
On his maiden visit to Australia, Mukherjee said this would provide another opportunity for continuing dialogue with Canberra.
Mukherjee welcomed Australia's bid for a non-permanent UNSC seat for the 2013-2014 term and noted India would follow Australia's initiatives in appointing an envoy to explore how an Asia-pacific community as suggested recently by Canberra be evolved overtime to respond to the emerging opportunities.
Pranab’s trip to Australia also assumes significance in the backdrop of the widening rift over the Indo-US nuclear deal. It will give the minister an opportunity to gauge how Canberra could move in the Nuclear Suppliers Group in case the nuclear deal comes up there.
Pranab Mukherjee is the UPA's principal troubleshooter when it comes to the 123 Agreement, and his absence in Delhi could mean that the stand off between the Centre and the Left, could be temporarily suspended.
Pranab Mukherjee's three-day visit will also see India signing two major agreements with Australia. These are on extradition and mutual legal assistance.
Australia had recently mooted the idea of forming a Asia-Pacific grouping, on the lines of the European Union, to deal with political, security and economic challenges.
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