The second India-Australia Virtual Summit was held today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison took stock of progress made on various initiatives under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The leaders discussed views on regional and international issues.
In his opening remarks at the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that in the last few years the relation between India and Australia have made remarkable progress. He said, both nations have very close cooperation in several areas including trade and investment, Defense and security, education and innovation, science and technology.
Mr Modi said, the bilateral collaboration has also grown rapidly in many other areas, such as critical minerals, water management, renewable energy and Covid-19 research.
He welcomed the announcement of the establishment of Center of Excellence for Critical and Emerging Technology Policy in Bangalore.
Mr Modi said, the conclusion of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, CECA will be important for our economic ties, economic revival and economic security. He said, on this agreement, significant progress has been made in a very short time.
Mr Modi said, both the nation have also good cooperation in QUAD. He said, our collaboration reflects commitment to free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Prime Minister Modi also thanked his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison for taking the initiative to return ancient Indian antiquities. He said, many of the antiquities are over hundreds of years old which were taken out of the country illegally from the states like Rajasthan, West Bengal, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh.
Briefing reporters in New Delhi after the Summit, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said, it was a very fruitful, constructive, and warm exchange of views. He said, the summit reflected the close ties that exist between both countries.
Mr Shringla said, both the leaders stressed on the high priority they attached to the bilateral relationship and the keen focus to further enhance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
He said, the leaders exchanged perspectives about regional and multilateral matters and global issues of mutual interest including shared concerns such as terrorism.
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