Former Australian Prime Minister Hon. Tony Abbott believes that a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India could have been finalised had he continued in the role of Australian PM, or if the new Australian PM Hon. Malcolm Turnbull had visited India sometime in late 2015 to finalise it.
Inability to schedule the visit of an Australian PM to India later in 2015 possibly led to the FTA with India not being finalised, said Mr Abbott, but added that he hopes to see something finalised soon.
Mr Abbott was replying to a question asked by Victorian Indian resident Mr Aravind Putta during a Liberal Party fundraising breakfast in the ultra-marginal seat of Cranbourne. The event was well attended by several members of the Victorian Indian community.
Former ministerial adviser Mr Nitin Gupta said: “Indian PM Narendra Modi and Mr Abbott enjoyed a cordial relationship. And it makes sense to me what Mr Abbott said, that a Prime Ministerial visit from Australia to India in late 2015 could have possibly have led to signing of FTA with India. I am hopeful that the FTA with India would be signed soon.”
After the fundraising breakfast, Mr Abbott visited the Hunt Club Shopping Centre in Cranbourne to meet with local shoppers. He also visited few local businesses owned by Victorian Indians such as The Tadka Club and Punjabi Bazaar.
Members of the Indian community in Cranbourne raised the issue of getting funding for the Little India Cultural Precinct allocated in City of Casey on the basis of Census figures. They also raised the issue of exclusion of South Indian actress Khushbu Sundar and talented local Victorian Indian artists from the Victorian government funded Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). Various other local issues such as Clyde Railway line extension, duplication of Thompson Road, and others were also discussed.
Dosa Hut Cranbourne had hosted complimentary morning tea for community members who had gathered to interact with Mr Abbott. Prominent Victorian Indians such as Mr Ali Mohammed (Planet Finance); AFL Ambassadors—Mrs Anchal Agarwal, Miss Madhu Rangavanshi and Mrs Jeyashree Nishtala; Mrs Neha Soudagar and Mrs Shilpa Hegde (AIBC); Babu Akula and Rajesh Yadav (AIII); and various others were present.
Mr Abbott also visited the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne, and Fountain Gate Shopping Centre in the leafy suburb of Narre Warren.
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
