Australia 2+2 Dialogue – Strengthening Strategic Ties to Deal with Exceptional Challenges

Context

• The India-Australia annual second 2+2 dialogue is scheduled to take place on November 20, 2023.

Key Details:

• India and Australia on Monday decided to further strengthen their strategic partnership to deal with "exceptional challenges" in the Indo-Pacific region and across the globe, with a special focus on defense cooperation.
• At the second India and Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, the two nations also underscored the importance of further enhancing cooperation in information exchange and maritime domain awareness.
• The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue is a cornerstone of the relationship between the two countries and an opportunity to progress their work together to shape the type of region.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong here as part of the ministerial dialogue.

About 2+2 talks

The 2+2 dialogue serves as a crucial platform for India and its strategic allies to discuss foreign and defense matters. This format fosters a deeper understanding of each other's concerns and sensitivities, facilitating the development of a more integrated and robust strategic relationship.

Key Partners and Dialogues:

United States (US):

• India engages in 2+2 dialogues with five key strategic partners, including the US.
• The US-India 2+2 dialogue is instrumental in addressing shared security challenges and building a collaborative approach.

Australia:

• The inaugural 2+2 dialogue with Australia took place in September 2021 in New Delhi.
• This platform allows both nations to align their political factors and strengthen their strategic ties.

Japan:

• India and Japan initiated their first 2+2 talks in November 2019 in New Delhi.
• The dialogue helps both countries navigate political considerations and enhance their cooperative efforts.

Russia:

• India's 2+2 dialogue with Russia commenced in December 2021, with the visit of the Russian Foreign Minister and Defence Minister to India.
• This dialogue reinforces the strategic partnership between India and Russia and addresses shared concerns.

United Kingdom (UK):

• The inaugural India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue occurred in New Delhi in October 2023.
• The dialogue serves as a pivotal platform for India and the UK to collaboratively address strategic and security challenges.

Quad Partnership: 

• India shares the 2+2 dialogue format with three Quad partners: the US, Australia, and Japan.
• This multilateral engagement reinforces the Quad's collective efforts in addressing regional and global challenges.

India-Australia 2+2 Dialogue: Background:

• In the backdrop of the India-Australia leaders' virtual summit held in June 2020, a pivotal decision was made to enhance bilateral relations, propelling the nations towards a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Birth of 2+2 Dialogue

• A significant outcome of this summit was the establishment of the 2+2 dialogue mechanism between India and Australia. This innovative approach involves the Foreign and Defence Ministers from both nations engaging in strategic discussions in a '2+2' format.

Strategic Partnership Unveiled

• The core objective of this dialogue is to address and delve into crucial strategic issues. The agreement mandates that these high-stakes discussions take place at least once every two years, underscoring the commitment to fostering a robust and enduring strategic partnership between India and Australia.

Key Highlights

• During the recent discussions between India and Australia, several critical areas were covered, highlighting the depth of their strategic partnership.

Anti-Submarine Warfare and Air-to-Air Refuelling:

• The discussions delved into crucial aspects of military capabilities, with a focus on anti-submarine warfare and the implementation of air-to-air refueling arrangements.

Security in the Indo-Pacific Region:

• Given the escalating influence of China in the vast Indo-Pacific region, the two nations explored ways to enhance security cooperation. This is particularly significant as China establishes military bases in the region.

Hydrography Cooperation:

• Both countries are at an advanced stage of discussions to finalize arrangements for hydrography cooperation, underscoring the importance of joint efforts in maritime surveying and charting.

Strengthening Ties in Various Sectors:

• The bilateral discussions extended beyond traditional defense realms to encompass critical minerals, space, education, and science and technology, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the strategic partnership.

Security in the Vast Indo-Pacific

• Amid China's expanding influence and military presence in the Indo-Pacific, ensuring security in this vast region was a focal point of the discussions. A robust defense partnership between India and Australia was emphasized as not only beneficial for both nations but also as a crucial element for overall Indo-Pacific security.

Future Areas of Cooperation

Niche Training Areas:

• The armed forces of India and Australia are encouraged to explore cooperation in specialized training areas, such as artificial intelligence, anti-submarine and anti-drone warfare, and the cyber domain.

Potential Areas of Collaboration:

• India proposed potential collaborations in areas like shipbuilding, ship repair, and maintenance, as well as aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul. These sectors offer promising avenues for joint endeavors and technological exchange.

India-Australia Defense Partnership:

Transformation in Recent Years

• Defense cooperation between India and Australia has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, marking a shift towards strengthened collaboration.

Quad Cooperation

• Both nations are active members of the Quad, with a particular focus on key areas such as Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), subsurface domain awareness, and anti-submarine warfare within the Quad framework.

Indo-Pacific MDA Initiative

• The Quad's Indo-Pacific MDA (IPMDA) initiative, introduced at the Tokyo summit in 2022, is currently in the implementation phase. IPMDA aims to enhance maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific region through technology and training initiatives.

Bilateral Agreements

• India and Australia solidified their defense ties through the signing of the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement in 2020. Additionally, the two navies established the 'Joint Guidance for the India-Australia Navy to Navy Relationship' document in August 2021.

Liaison Officer and Information Fusion

• Australia's commitment to the partnership is evident with the presence of a Liaison Officer at the Indian Navy's Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region, enhancing information sharing and coordination.

Milestones in 2023 The year 2023 has witnessed several historic milestones in bilateral defense cooperation:

• The maiden visit of an Indian Navy submarine to Australia.
• Canberra hosting the Malabar naval exercise.
• Indian Navy Dornier and Air Force C-130 making a significant visit to Cocos Keeling island.

Key Details:

Purpose and Focus

• The primary objective of the India-Australia 2+2 Dialogue is to fortify the diplomatic and defense relationships between the two nations. This strategic engagement brings together the Defence and Foreign Ministers of both countries to delve into crucial areas of defense and foreign affairs.

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

• The dialogue serves as a platform to evaluate and advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Australia. It acts as a catalyst for in-depth discussions, fostering collaboration and understanding of shared security concerns, regional perspectives, and maritime cooperation.

Facilitating Mutual Understanding

• A key aim of the dialogue is to facilitate comprehensive discussions that promote mutual understanding. By addressing shared security concerns and regional dynamics, the 2+2 Dialogue aims to strengthen the foundation of cooperation between India and Australia.

Military-to-Military Cooperation

• The dialogue identifies avenues for enhanced military-to-military cooperation. It explores opportunities for joint research initiatives and collaborative efforts within the defense industry, fostering a stronger alliance in the realm of national security.

Contributing to Regional Stability

• With an overarching goal of reinforcing bonds, the 2+2 Dialogue contributes significantly to the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific region. By aligning strategic interests and collaborative efforts, India and Australia aim to create a robust defense partnership that enhances regional stability.

Closing thoughts

• The recent India-Australia 2+2 Dialogue serves as a testament to the commitment of both nations towards enhancing their strategic alliance and collectively addressing common security challenges. The discussions held during this diplomatic engagement highlight the significance of collaborative endeavors in upholding peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

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https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-aus-talks-focus-on-defence-regional-security-101700504604210.html

 42nd India International Trade Fair

Context

• Padma Shri, Khel Ratna Arjuna Awardee Dr. Deepa Malik visited the Ayushman Bhav Health Ministry Pavilion at the 42nd India International Trade Fair which is underway in New Delhi.

Details

• Addressing the visitors, the national ambassador of the tuberculosis Mukt Bharat campaign, Deepa Malik said that every citizen should pledge to become Nikshay Mitra to at least one tuberculosis patient to accelerate the journey of becoming a tuberculosis-free nation.

Evolution of India International Trade Fair:

• The India International Trade Fair (IITF) commenced in 1980 under the auspices of the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO).
• Initially geared towards promoting India's exports and attracting foreign investment, the fair started modestly with a limited number of exhibitors from India and abroad. However, its popularity surged, making it a prominent trade event in Asia by the early 1990s.

Significance of India International Trade Fair:

• The IITF holds paramount importance in the Indian economy, serving as a pivotal platform for businesses to showcase their offerings, cultivate business leads, and fortify international trade ties. Beyond the domestic landscape, the fair plays a crucial role in stimulating economic growth by attracting foreign investment and fostering export activities.

Key Objectives of IITF: The core objectives of the India International Trade Fair are multi-faceted:

• Promotion of Exports and Foreign Investment: Actively promote India's exports and attract foreign investment.
• Showcasing Manufacturing and Technology: Spotlight India's manufacturing prowess and technological advancements on a global stage.
• Facilitating Trade Partnerships: Serve as a facilitator for trade and business collaborations between Indian and foreign entities.
• Enhancing Global Economic Standing: Contribute to elevating India's global economic stature through active participation and representation.

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=Dr.-Deepa-Malik-visits-Ayushman-Bhav-Health-Ministry-Pavilion-at-42nd-India-International-Trade-Fair&id=471755

India-EU Trade and Technology Council

Context

• External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar has expressed optimism that the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement and the European Free Trade Association-Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations would be concluded soon. 

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Details:

• India-EU Trade and Technology Council could open new avenues for a stronger India-Nordic-Baltic Eight, cooperating on critical technologies and ensuring the restructuring of supply chains.
• The Minister was speaking at the second CII India Nordic Baltic Business Conclave in New Delhi today. 
• The Minister highlighted that India's talent pool, digital adoption, and start-up ecosystem align well with the Baltic region's prominence in e-governance, digital innovation, supply chain management, and other frontier industries.
• He said, the Nordic-Baltic Eight countries collectively represent an economy of more than two trillion US dollars. He said India's combined trade in goods with the Nordic-Baltic Eight countries is currently around 7.3 billion US dollars.
• He stressed that efforts must be made to boost the trade and investment between India and the Nordic-Baltic Eight countries.

About India-EU Trade and Technology Council:

Objectives	The Trans-Trade Council (TTC) was officially announced in 2022 by the Indian Prime Minister and the President of the European Commission. This initiative aims to establish a high-level coordination platform addressing strategic challenges at the intersection of trade, trusted technology, and security.
Annual Ministerial Meetings	To ensure consistent and substantial engagement between India and the EU, the TTC will conduct ministerial meetings on an annual basis. These meetings will rotate between locations in India and the EU, fostering balanced participation and fortifying bilateral cooperation.
Working Groups for Future Cooperation	WG on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance, and Digital Connectivity: This group focuses on mutual interests in digital connectivity, Artificial Intelligence, 5G/6G, high-performance and Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, cloud systems, Cybersecurity, digital skills, and digital platforms. Collaboration in these areas is crucial for advancing technological frontiers.
WG on Green and Clean Energy Technologies	Concentrating on green technologies, including investment and standards, this group emphasizes research and innovation. Exploratory areas include clean energy, Circular Economy, waste management, addressing plastic and ocean litter, waste-to-hydrogen, and battery recycling for electric vehicles. The WG also aims to foster collaboration among EU and Indian incubators, SMEs, and start-ups.
WG on Trade, Investment, and Resilient Value Chains	This group addresses the resilience of supply chains, and access to critical components, energy, and raw materials. It actively seeks to resolve identified trade barriers and global trade challenges, promoting cooperation in multilateral fora. Additionally, the WG aims to advance international standards and collaboration to address global geopolitical challenges.

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=India-EU-Trade-and-Technology-Council-could-open-new-avenues-for-a-stronger-India-Nordic-Baltic-Eight%2c-says-EAM-Dr.-S-Jaishankar&id=471748

Directorate General of Civil Aviation

Context

• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation, DGCA on Wednesday imposed a penalty of ten lakh Rupees on Air India for non-compliance with regulations.

Details:

• DGCA carried out inspections at Delhi, Kochi, and Bangalore Airports of Scheduled Domestic Operators in May and September this year.
• The inspections were carried out to ascertain the discharge of obligations related to facilities provided to the passengers as per provisions laid down in DGCA regulations.
• DGCA in a statement said that during the inspections, the officials found that Air India Airlines was not complying with the provisions of the relevant Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR).
• Accordingly, a show cause notice was issued to Air India seeking their response for non-compliance to the provisions of the relevant regulations. DGCA said that the airlines did not submit a satisfactory reply.

About Directorate General of Civil Aviation:

• It is the statutory body formed under the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020.
• It investigates aviation accidents and incidents, maintains all regulations related to aviation, and is responsible for the issuance of licenses for aviation like PPLs, SPLs, and CPLs in India.
• The Government of India is planning to replace the organization with a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), modeled on the lines of the American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Functions of DGCA:

• Registration of civil aircraft
• Certification of airports
• Licensing to pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, air traffic controllers, and flight engineers, and conducting examinations and checks for that purpose
• Formulation of standards of airworthiness for civil aircraft registered in India and grant of certificates of airworthiness to such aircraft
• Investigating incidents and serious incidents involving aircraft up to 2250 kg AUW and taking accident prevention measures, including formulation of implementation of Safety Aviation Management Programmes
• Checks on the proficiency of flight crew and other operational personnel such as flight dispatchers and cabin crew.

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=Directorate-General-of-Civil-Aviation-imposes-a-penalty-of-10-lakh-on-Air-India&id=471754

 

UAE inaugurates world's largest single-site solar power plant

Context

• The United Arab Emirates has inaugurated the world's largest single-site solar power plant ahead of the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).

Details:

• The 2-gigawatt Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic Independent Power Project (IPP) is located 35 kilometers from Abu Dhabi city and will generate enough electricity to power almost 200,000 homes.
• The plant is expected to displace 2.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

The project was inaugurated by Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and in the presence of Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.

Key facts about the project:

• As the UAE prepares to host COP28, this pioneering project reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to raising its share of clean energy, reducing its carbon emissions, and supporting global efforts on climate action.
• The project was developed by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and its partners Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), EDF Renewables, and JinkoPower.
• It was procured by Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC). The plant uses almost 4 million solar panels which deploy innovative bi-facial technology, ensuring sunlight is captured on both sides of the panels to maximize yield.
• The project broke records in terms of cost for utility-scale solar projects. Initially, the project led to one of the most competitive tariffs for solar power set at AED 4.97 fils/kWh (USD 1.35 cents/kWh), which upon financial close, was further improved to AED 4.85 fils/kWh (US$ 1.32 cents/kWh).
• The inauguration of Al Dhafra Solar PV is a key step in the UAE's transition to clean energy. As the countdown to COP28 continues, leaders reiterated their commitment to tripling renewables capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030, with Al Dhafra serving as a model for global ambition in clean energy initiatives.
• The project also aligns with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 goal, reinforcing its leadership in solar energy production on a per capita basis. The project is also a testament to the UAE's commitment to hosting a successful COP28.
• The country will host the United Nations Climate Change Conference from November 30th to December 12 this year

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=UAE-inaugurates-world%26%2339%3bs-largest-single-site-solar-power-plant-ahead-of-COP28&id=471750