In a virtual gathering, the third India-France-Australia Trilateral Focal Points Meeting took place on Wednesday. Led by senior officials from each country, the meeting aimed to assess progress and enhance collaboration across key areas impacting the Indo-Pacific region. The participating nations reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
Representing India were Joint Secretaries Piyush Srivastava and Paramita Tripathi from the Ministry of External Affairs. The French delegation was led by Benoit Guidee, Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs focusing on Asia and Oceania. Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, headed the Australian side.
The discussions centered around three core pillars of trilateral cooperation: maritime safety and security, marine and environmental cooperation, and multilateral engagement. As per the Ministry of External Affairs, the meeting reviewed existing projects and proposed new initiatives aimed at furthering cooperation within frameworks such as the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that the dialogue explored avenues for advancing cooperation under the identified pillars. Notably, discussions also included strategies for enhancing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) cooperation, underscoring the joint commitment to regional stability and security.
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Looking back at the previous trilateral meeting held last year, the three nations had identified key projects for future implementation. This year’s discussions built upon these foundations, emphasizing practical steps to strengthen maritime security, promote environmental sustainability, and deepen multilateral engagements across the Indo-Pacific.
The virtual format of the meeting underscored the ongoing cooperation despite geographical distances, highlighting the shared interests and strategic partnerships among India, France, and Australia. As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, these trilateral engagements serve as crucial platforms for shaping regional policies and initiatives that uphold common values and principles.
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