India, Australia to bolster defence ties, maritime security

Melbourne: India and Australia on Wednesday decided to bolster defence ties, as they acknowledged that maritime security and freedom of navigation is critical for the growth and prosperity of Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, at a time when China's postures in the seas have caused concerns.On a historic visit to Australia, Defence Minister AK Antony on Wednesday met his counterpart Stephen Smith in Canberra and held wide-ranging talks on shared strategic and security interests, including maritime security and defence ties.[caption id="attachment_843791" align="alignleft" width="380"] Australian PM Julia Gillard with Defence Minister AK Antony. Image: @JuliaGillard/Twitter[/caption]"The two leaders exchanged ideas concerning regional and international security as well as defence cooperation and exchanges between the two sides," said an official statement issued by the Australian Defence Ministry after the talks.Antony, who is the first ever Indian Defence Minister to visit Australia, had met Smith on Tuesday in Perth for a short duration and they flew together to Canberra for the dialogue."Both sides acknowledged that maritime security and freedom of navigation in accordance with principles of international law is critical for the growth and prosperity of the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions," a joint statement said.They agreed to continue ongoing bilateral Naval exchanges to build confidence and familiarity between their Navies and work towards a bilateral maritime exercise in 2015.The joint statement came amidst flexing of muscles by China in the South China Sea and East China Sea.China has in the recent past used its naval ships and aircraft to intimidate neighbouring countries including Japan which are in dispute with Beijing over maritime rights.China has also increased presence of its maritime forces, including submarines and warships, in the Indian Ocean Region."The Defence Ministers acknowledged deepening strategic and defence cooperation between Australia and India. They agreed to continue to contribute to the peace, stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and to promote cooperation in the Indian Ocean region," the statement said.IANS