PM Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese
On May 24, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese at Admiralty House in Sydney, Australia.
Both the leaders discussed various matters pertaining to global and bilateral interest reform of the UN Security Council, Indo-Pacific and the G20 Summit that New Delhi is hosting later this year. Both sides reiterated their shared ambition for an early conclusion of the Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement later this year, and PM Modi also raised issues related to attacks on temples in Australia and activities of separatist elements.
“The two leaders reiterated their determination to ensure a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region underpinned by a rules-based international order. They also discussed reform of UN Security Council,” an MEA statement said.
Anthony Albanese expressed Australia’s strong support for India’s G20 Presidency and initiatives.
PM Modi “looked forward to welcoming” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September 2023, the MEA statement said.
Moreover, PM Modi was accorded a Ceremonial Welcome and Guard of Honour on arrival at Admiralty House.
“Both the leaders also recalled their productive 1st Annual Leaders’ Summit held in March 2023 in New Delhi and reaffirmed their commitment to further broadening and deepening of the multifaceted India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” the MEA said.
The discussions focused on cooperation in defence and security, trade and investment, new and renewable energy, green hydrogen, critical minerals, education, migration and mobility and people-to-people ties.
“Both leaders welcomed the signing of the India-Australia Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA), which will further facilitate the mobility of students, professionals, researchers, academics and others, including through a new skilled pathway named MATES (Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals Scheme) specifically created for India,” the release stated.
Both PM Modi and Anthony Albanese welcomed the finalisation of the Terms of Reference of the India-Australia Hydrogen Task Force, which will advise on opportunities to accelerate the manufacture and deployment of clean hydrogen, focusing on hydrogen electrolysers, fuel cells as well as supporting infrastructure and standards and regulations.
PM Modi thanked Australia for its support in establishing a Consulate General of India in Brisbane.
PM Modi is in Australia for the third and final leg of his three-nation tour, beginning with G-7 Summit at Hiroshima in Japan. His visit to Australia reinforces the strong priority attached by both sides to the bilateral relationship. It also comes within just two months of the state visit of the Australian Prime Minister to India in March this year.
Meanwhile, India and Australia, on May 24, signed agreements in the field of migration and mobility partnership and on the Green Hydrogen task force.
The Memorandum of Understandings were exchanged after a bilateral meeting between the two Prime Ministers.
In a statement after the meeting, PM Modi said the India-Australia ties are based on mutual trust and confidence. He said they have constructive discussions on strengthening strategic cooperation in mining and critical minerals. He added that the discussion was held on taking India-Australia’s comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.
PM Modi also invited Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and all Australian cricket fans to India for this year’s Cricket World Cup.
The Prime Minister also said he had a discussion with his Australian counterparts in the past on the issue of attack on temples in Australia and activities of separatist elements and the matter was also discussed today.
He added that they would not accept any elements that harm the friendly and warm ties between the two countries by their action or thoughts. PM Modi said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had assured him once again that he will take strict actions against such elements in the future also.
On the occasion, the Australian Prime Minister said the two countries reiterated their shared ambition for an early conclusion of the Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement later this year.
He also announced the establishment of a new Australian Consulate General in Bengaluru, saying it will help connect Australian businesses to India’s booming digital and innovation ecosystem.
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