External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Brisbane on Sunday, marking the start of his two-nation visit to Australia and Singapore from November 3 to November 8. During his time in Australia, he will inaugurate India’s fourth consulate and co-chair the 15th Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue (FMFD) with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
Upon his arrival, Jaishankar posted on X, expressing optimism for strengthening India-Australia relations: “Namaste Australia! Landed in Brisbane today. Look forward to productive engagements over the next few days to take forward the India-Australia Dosti.”
Namaste Australia! Landed in Brisbane today.
Look forward to productive engagements over the next few days to take forward the 🇮🇳-🇦🇺 Dosti. pic.twitter.com/FKPWSdwSnJ
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 3, 2024
Key Meetings and Raisina Down Under Conference
Jaishankar’s visit to Australia, scheduled until November 7, will include co-chairing the 15th FMFD in Canberra, where he and Wong will discuss enhancing cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region. The discussions will cover shared interests in security, trade, and education. Jaishankar will also deliver the keynote address at the 2nd Raisina Down Under conference at Australia’s Parliament House.
His itinerary involves interactions with Australian leaders, parliamentarians, members of the Indian diaspora, and representatives from the business, media, and think tank communities.
Singapore Visit to Focus on ASEAN Ties
Following his Australian engagements, Jaishankar will head to Singapore on November 8. There, he will participate in the 8th Roundtable of the ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks. He will also meet with Singapore’s leadership to review and deepen the bilateral partnership and explore new areas of collaboration, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
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