During his recent visit, Prime Minister Modi held wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Abbott. Mr Modi also addressed a joint sitting of both houses of the Parliament (the first time an Indian prime minister has done so) and met the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Leader of the Opposition in Canberra. He also visited Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, where he met political leaders, academics, businesspeople and sporting figures and addressed members of the Australian Indian community. He visited research, cultural and historic institutions. A number of agreements were signed and new initiatives launched.
For the first time, the Australian and Indian Prime Ministers have made reciprocal visits in the same year, underscoring the growing depth of the Australia-India strategic partnership and building on converging interests, shared values and common democratic institutions.
Prime Minister Abbott and Prime Minister Modi recognised that the partnership has tremendous room for growth and agreed to unlock the vast potential of the economic relationship, especially in priority areas such as resources, education, skills, agriculture, infrastructure, investments, financial services and health.
They directed that an equitable, balanced, mutually beneficial and high quality Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement be brought to an early conclusion to realise the potential of commercial relations. The next round of negotiations will be held in December. The two Prime Ministers hoped for better market access for goods and services. They expressed satisfaction at the increase in investment while recognising the tremendous untapped potential in both directions. Indian investment in the resource sector in Australia promises to create jobs and value for the Australian economy just as Australian investment in cold chain storage, energy, infrastructure and other sectors can do for the Indian economy.
Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abbott reconstituted the Australia-India CEO Forum, and will shortly appoint new co-chairs. A delegation of Indian CEOs also visited Australia. The Australian Business Week in India will be held in several cities in January 2015, with Trade and Investment Minister Robb bringing a 300-strong business delegation to showcase Australian capabilities in a wide range of sectors. India will hold a Make in India event in Australia in 2015 and organise shows in gems and jewellery, engineering and pharmaceuticals to showcase India’s manufacturing capabilities.
Prime Minister Abbott and Prime Minister Modi agreed to expedite approvals for key mining investment projects. They agreed to cooperate on clean coal technologies and welcomed the intention to explore opportunities for partnership between Australian institutions and the Indian School of Mines in Dhanbad. They agreed to expedite progress towards early conclusion of the administrative arrangements to implement the Civil Nuclear Agreement signed in September. Australian supply of uranium in coming years will enhance India’s energy security.
Australia and India are committed to working together to combat terrorism and other transnational crimes. Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abbott agreed that the existing Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism would be renamed to cover other transnational crimes, including on-going cooperation on illegal migration. They witnessed the signing of an Agreement on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons and a Counter-Narcotics MoU.
They noted the conclusion of a new Framework for Security Cooperation to guide closer bilateral collaboration across the security spectrum, including in defence, counter-terrorism, cyber policy, disarmament and non-proliferation and maritime security. The Framework demonstrates the unshakeable resolve of the two countries in combating and defeating terrorism, including the threat posed by foreign fighters joining extremist groups.
Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abbott decided to extend defence cooperation to cover research, development and industry engagement. They agreed to hold regular meetings at the level of the defence minister, conduct regular maritime exercises and convene regular navy to navy, air force to air force and army to army staff talks.
Australia and India are working together more closely to build a safe and prosperous region, including through key regional forums such as the East Asia Summit. Both countries value their engagement with ASEAN, are strongly committed to building up the Indian Ocean Rim Association, and support regional efforts to create stronger humanitarian and disaster relief capabilities, combat malaria and boost regional trade, including through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
People-to-people links are transforming the relationship. Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minster Abbott welcomed the signing of a Social Security Agreement, which will enhance two-way mobility and lower business costs. They welcomed the introduction of measures to facilitate easier travel and witnessed the signing of an MoU on tourism, which will promote continued strong growth in an industry vital to both countries. India will hold a Tourism Week in Australia in 2015. Negotiations on an Audio-visual Co-production Agreement are progressing well, with the aim of boosting links between the dynamic film industries.
The prime ministers also welcomed cooperation between Australian and Indian universities and in particular joint PhD programs to encourage research. They announced collaboration on rejuvenating the Ganga river. They welcomed two-way exchanges and cooperation in river basin planning under the water partnership and a new program of joint research on agricultural water management.
Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abbott agreed the two countries would cooperate in India’s efforts to strengthen its sporting capabilities, including through the private sector and in establishing a world-class Sports University. They welcomed the signing of an MoU on arts and culture, which will create a framework for deeper cultural exchanges. A Festival of India will be held in Australia in 2015 to showcase the dynamism and diversity of contemporary Indian culture.
Prime Minister Modi renewed his invitation to Prime Minister Abbott to visit India again at his convenience. They agreed that high-level visits played a key role in enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Published in The Indian Sun, Sydney
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