India, Australia Exploring New Areas in AI, Unmanned Vehicles: Rajnath

Lauding significant improvement in the defence engagements between India and Australia based on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Defence Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh said that both the countries are exploring new areas in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned vehicles.

Speaking at India-Australia 2+2 ministerial dialogue which is underway in New Delhi, Singh said, “During virtual leader’s summit talks in June 2020 between Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Mr. Scott Morrison, we reached Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This shows how close we are.”

This partnership is based on the common vision of a free, open, inclusive and rule-based Indo-Pacific region.

Both, Australia and India have enormous stakes in peace, development and free flow of trade, rules-based order and economic growth in the region.

Lauding significant development in the bilateral relations between India-Australia, Mr. Singh added, “We are pleased to witness significant progress in the bilateral relations between India-Australia. The interoperability between our defence engagements has seen a significant increase. In bilateral and multilateral engagements, due to joint exercises, the synergies and complexities in our armed forces have increased.”

He also said that the two countries are exploring new areas in the field of artificial intelligence and unmanned vehicles and acknowledged the Australian delegation for visiting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are exploring new areas in the development of artificial intelligence, and unmanned vehicles. Your visit to India in the times of COVID-19 shows our great ties. I am optimistic for engaging and fruitful talks.”

Defence Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Mr. S Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Ms. Marise Payne and Australia Defence Minister Mr. Peter Dutton participated in the meeting.