India, Australia agree on framework for security cooperation

CANBERRA: India and Australia today agreed on a landmark framework for security cooperation across the spectrum in defence, cyber and maritime security and combating terrorism, including the threats posed by foreign fighters joining extremists groups.

At the summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first Indian PM to visit Australia in 28 years, and his counterpart Tony Abbott, the two countries also decided to conclude a long-pending Free Trade pact by the end of next year and an "early closure" of the civilian nuclear deal that will facilitate uranium imports to India.

Significantly, Modi made a reference to the need for expanding security cooperation and deepening international partnerships in the region in his speech to a joint session of Australian Parliament after the talks.

"But, what we do need is to work together and with others to create environment and culture that promotes the currency of co-existence and cooperation; in which all nations, small and big, abide by international law and norms, even when they have bitter disputes.

"We should collaborate more on maintaining maritime security. We should work together on the seas and collaborate in international forums. And, we should work for a universal respect for international law and global norms," Modi said in comments interpreted as a veiled reference to China.

Both India and Australia have reservations over China's growing military assertions in maritime disputes with its neighbours. The framework cooperation also came as Chinese President Xi Jinping left here for Tasmania where he was joined by Abbott.