<span style="color: black;">Australia will embark on its largest ever defence engagement with Sri Lanka next week as part of the Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2019. Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Mr. Jon Philp in a briefing in Colombo said that more than 1,000 defence personnel will be involved in the exercise comprising of Australian Naval, Army and Air force and their assets.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: black;">Mr Philp said after departing Sri Lanka, Australian Defence excercise team will visit India and other regional partners. He said Australia's vision for the Indo-Pacific is a region that is secure, open, prosperous and resilient. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: black;">The Defence Advisor of Australia Group Captain Sean Unwin said Sri Lanka is an important place in the Indian Ocean region and Colombo will the main focus of the Indo-Pacific Endeavour. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: black;">The move assumes significance as several nations have enhanced engagement in Indian Ocean region after rising influence of China.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: black;">Australia along with India, Japan and US had formed the Quad to promote their interests in the Indo-Pacific region.</span><br />