ARCHIVED MEDIA RELEASE
PA/14/2002 21 August 2002
Security issues and expanded defence cooperation discussed during Australian Defence Secretary's visit
Progress in enhancing the bilateral defence relationship was a key theme in discussions between the visiting Secretary of the Australian Department of Defence, Dr Allan Hawke, and senior Indian officials and officers on 20 August.
Dr Hawke visited New Delhi at the invitation of the Indian Defence Secretary.
During his meetings with officials, including Cabinet Secretary T R Prasad, Defence Secretary Subir Dutta, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Lt Gen P S Joshi, and Special Secretary (Acquisition), Mr Dhirendra Singh, Dr Hawke was briefed on India's regional security outlook and priorities.
Dr Hawke was also informed about the progress made on India's higher defence reorganisation, including the establishment of a Defence Procurement Board.
Dr Hawke took the opportunity to outline Australia's perceptions of and involvement in the international campaign against terrorism. Noting that tensions between India and Pakistan had reduced in recent weeks, he urged continuing efforts towards de-escalation and de-mobilisation. Australia wanted to see the forthcoming elections in Kashmir to proceed without disruption, paving the way for a resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan and ultimately a settlement of the Kashmir issue.
Dr Hawke expressed satisfaction with the progress made to date in enhancing the Australia-India defence and security relationship. A lively program of official visits in both directions and regular exchanges and dialogue on strategic issues played an important part in this, he said.
Dr Hawke said that Australia was looking forward to the second round of the Australia-India Strategic Dialogue, due to be held in Canberra later this year.
For further information, contact Rory Medcalf (First Secretary), tel. 6888 223, extension 197.