Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a resounding welcome in Sydney, comparable to a rockstar, a reception that Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong describes as ‘amazing.’ Over 20,000 members of the Indian-Australian community rallied at the Qudos Bank Arena to celebrate Modi’s visit. The jovial atmosphere of the event highlighted the vital role the Indian diaspora plays in shaping the bond between the two nations.
In a radio interview with Ben Fordham on 2GB, Minister Wong highlighted the new dimensions being added to the Australia-India relationship. It’s no longer confined to the three C’s: Commonwealth, cricket, and curry. According to PM Modi, trust, respect, and a shared belief in democracy now also underpin the relationship. Besides, burgeoning trade ties between the nations are shaping India as a significant economic opportunity for Australia.
When asked about the China-Australia relationship, Minister Wong reiterated Australia’s commitment to continue engaging with China, notwithstanding the current trade tensions. She agreed that Prime Minister Albanese should visit China, even if trade restrictions persist, asserting the need to maintain dialogue and manage differences wisely.
On the issue of offshore processing, Minister Wong confirmed the hefty cost to maintain the Nauru processing centre, which will reach nearly $500 million this year. Despite housing only 22 people, she defended the expenditure as a necessary fixed cost to maintain Australia’s orderly migration policy.
Regarding the cancellation of the Quad meeting, Wong expressed disappointment but noted that Prime Minister Albanese was still able to engage bilaterally with President Biden and PM Modi. She also acknowledged the budgeted $23 million for the event, promising an account of the costs.
Interestingly, a quirky issue arose around the proposed name of the new Tasmanian AFL team, the ‘Tassie Devils.’ Trademark rights held by Warner Brothers in the US initially posed a challenge. However, Minister Wong was relieved to report that negotiations seemed to be moving in the right direction, although she jokingly refrained from claiming credit for the progress.
Throughout the interview, Penny Wong displayed a knack for responding to a wide variety of issues with grace and humour, reflecting the varied and often unpredictable nature of foreign affairs. Despite the challenges and complexities, the focus remains on maintaining dialogue, promoting mutual respect, and facilitating opportunities for cooperation.
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