Prime Shri Narendra Modi met several prominent Australian personalities in separate meetings in Sydney today. These personalities include:

1. Professor Brian P. Schmidt, Noble laureate in Physics and Vice-Chancellor & President of Australian National University, Canberra

2. Mr. Mark Balla, business specialist and accomplished public speaker on humanitarian issues

3. Ms. Danielle Mate Sullivan, aboriginal artist

4. Ms. Sarah Todd, international chef, restaurateur, TV host, speaker and entrepreneur

5. Professor Toby Walsh, chief scientist, Artificial Intelligence Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney

6. Associate Professor Salvatore Babones, sociologist, researcher and author

7. Mr. Guy Theodore Sebastian, leading Australian singer

Prime Minister congratulated them on their achievements and encouraged them to contribute to strengthening India-Australia relationship.

Sydney
May 23, 2023

Source: Ministry of External Affairs

H.E. Mr. Peter Dutton, Leader of the Opposition, called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 24 May 2023 in Sydney, Australia.

2. Prime Minister appreciated the strong bipartisan support enjoyed by the India – Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

3. The discussions covered various aspects of the bilateral partnership, including people to people linkages. Discussions also covered regional developments.

Sydney
May 24, 2023

Source: Ministry of External Affairs

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met H.E. Mr. David Hurley, Governor-General of Australia on 24 May 2023 at Admiralty House in Sydney, Australia.

2. Prime Minister recalled his meeting with the Governor-General in 2019 during the latter’s visit to India as Governor of New South Wales.

3. Both leaders discussed ways to strengthen the long-standing bilateral partnership.

4. Prime Minister recalled the positive contributions of the Indian community in Australia, and their role in fostering closer links between the two countries.

Sydney
May 24, 2023

Source: Ministry of External Affairs

Prime Minister Albanese
Delegates from both countries,
Friends from media,

Namaskar!

I express my heartfelt thanks to the people of Australia and to Prime Minister Albanese for the hospitality and respect accorded to me and my delegation during my visit to Australia. I am visiting Australia within two months of my friend Prime Minister Albanese’s visit to India. This is our sixth meeting in the past one year.

This reflects the depth in our comprehensive relations, the convergence in our views and the maturity of our ties. If I may say in the language of cricket, our ties have entered the T-20 mode

Excellency,

As you said yesterday, our democratic values are the foundation of our ties. Our relationship is based on mutual trust and respect. The Indian community in Australia is a living bridge between our two countries. Last evening at the Indian community event, Prime Minister Albanese and I unveiled ‘Little India’ of Harris Park. I could also sense the popularity of Prime Minister Albanese in the event.

Friends,

Today, in my meeting with Prime Minister Albanese, we talked about taking India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to greater heights in the next decade. We discussed in detail the possibilities of cooperation in new areas. Last year India-Australia ECTA came into effect. Today we have decided to focus on CECA – Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. This will give further strength and new dimensions to our trade and economic cooperation.

We had constructive discussions on strengthening our strategic cooperation in the sectors of mining and critical minerals. We have identified concrete areas for cooperation in renewable energy. It was decided to set up a task force on Green Hydrogen. Yesterday I had a fruitful discussion with Australian CEOs on investments in various areas. And today I will talk about trade, investment and technology cooperation in the Business Roundtable.

Today, the migration and mobility partnership agreement was signed. This will further strengthen our living bridge. To deepen our ever-growing relationship, as I announced yesterday, we will soon open a new Indian Consulate in Brisbane, just as Australia has announced opening a new Consulate in Bengaluru.

Friends,

Prime Minister Albanese and I have discussed the issue of attacks on temples in Australia and the activities of separatist elements in the past. Today also we had discussion on the issue. It is not acceptable to us that any element harms the warm and friendly relations between India and Australia by their thoughts or their actions. I thank Prime Minister Albanese for the steps he has taken in this regard. And at the same time, he assured me once again that he will continue to take strict action against such elements.

Friends,

The scope of India-Australia relations is not limited to merely our two countries. It is also linked to regional stability, peace and global welfare. A few days ago, along with Prime Minister Albanese, at the Quad Summit in Hiroshima, we also discussed the Indo-Pacific. India-Australia cooperation can also be beneficial for the progress of the Global South. The Indian tradition of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which sees the whole world as one family, is the central theme of India’s G-20 Presidency. I heartily thank Prime Minister Albanese for Australia’s support to our initiatives in the G-20.

Friends,

I invite Prime Minister Albanese and all Australian cricket fans to come to India for the Cricket World Cup to be held in India this year. At that time, along with cricket, you will also get to see the grand celebration of Diwali.

Excellency,

I am very excited to welcome you again to India for the G-20 Summit in September this year. Thank you very much once again!

Sydney
May 24, 2023

DISCLAIMER – This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered in Hindi.

Source: Ministry of External Affairs

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia on 24 May 2023 at Admiralty House in Sydney, Australia.

2. Prime Minister was accorded a Ceremonial Welcome and Guard of Honour on arrival at Admiralty House.

3. Both leaders 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.

4. The discussions focused on cooperation in defense and security, trade and investment, new and renewable energy, green hydrogen, critical minerals, education, migration and mobility and people to people ties.

5. Both leaders welcomed the signing of the India-Australia Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA), which will further facilitate 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.

6. They also welcomed the finalization of Terms of Reference of the India-Australia Hydrogen Task Force, which will advise on opportunities to accelerate manufacture and deployment of clean hydrogen, focusing on hydrogen electrolysers, fuel cells as well as supporting infrastructure and standards and regulations.

7. Prime Minister Modi thanked Australia for its support in establishing a Consulate General of India in Brisbane.

8. 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.

7. Prime Minister Albanese expressed Australia’s strong support to India’s G20 Presidency and initiatives. Prime Minister looked forward to welcoming Prime Minister Albanese for the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September 2023.

Source: Ministry of External Affairs

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed a Business Roundtable with CEOs of top Australian companies in Sydney today.

2. The participating CEOs represented leading companies operating across a diverse range of sectors including steel, banking, energy, mining and IT, among others. Vice Chancellors from some of the leading Universities of Australia also participated in the Roundtable.

3. Prime Minister highlighted numerous economic reforms and initiatives launched by the government for ease of doing business and boosting economic growth. These include, Mission Gati Shakti for integrated approach towards infrastructure connectivity projects; Jan Dhan-Aadhar-Mobile trinity; National Education Policy; Hydrogen Mission 2050; PLI scheme; opening of private investment in domain of space and geospatial sector; new policy of medical devices manufacturing; Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, etc.

4. Prime Minister invited the CEOs to take advantage of investment opportunities offered by India in domains of infrastructure including digital infrastructure, IT, fintech, telecom, semiconductors, space, renewable energy including green hydrogen, education, pharma, healthcare including medical devices manufacturing, mining including critical minerals, textile, agriculture & food processing.

5. Prime Minister encouraged the CEOs to forge mutually beneficial partnerships with their Indian counterparts.

6. The CEOs that participated in the Roundtable are as under:

Source: Ministry of External Affairs

Prime Minister Albanese
Delegates from both countries,
Friends from media,

Namaskar!

I express my heartfelt thanks to the people of Australia and to Prime Minister Albanese for the hospitality and respect accorded to me and my delegation during my visit to Australia. I am visiting Australia within two months of my friend Prime Minister Albanese’s visit to India. This is our sixth meeting in the past one year.

This reflects the depth in our comprehensive relations, the convergence in our views and the maturity of our ties. If I may say in the language of cricket, our ties have entered the T-20 mode

Excellency,

As you said yesterday, our democratic values are the foundation of our ties. Our relationship is based on mutual trust and respect. The Indian community in Australia is a living bridge between our two countries. Last evening at the Indian community event, Prime Minister Albanese and I unveiled ‘Little India’ of Harris Park. I could also sense the popularity of Prime Minister Albanese in the event.

Friends,

Today, in my meeting with Prime Minister Albanese, we talked about taking India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to greater heights in the next decade. We discussed in detail the possibilities of cooperation in new areas. Last year India-Australia ECTA came into effect. Today we have decided to focus on CECA – Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. This will give further strength and new dimensions to our trade and economic cooperation.

We had constructive discussions on strengthening our strategic cooperation in the sectors of mining and critical minerals. We have identified concrete areas for cooperation in renewable energy. It was decided to set up a task force on Green Hydrogen. Yesterday I had a fruitful discussion with Australian CEOs on investments in various areas. And today I will talk about trade, investment and technology cooperation in the Business Roundtable.

Today, the migration and mobility partnership agreement was signed. This will further strengthen our living bridge. To deepen our ever-growing relationship, as I announced yesterday, we will soon open a new Indian Consulate in Brisbane, just as Australia has announced opening a new Consulate in Bengaluru.

Friends,

Prime Minister Albanese and I have discussed the issue of attacks on temples in Australia and the activities of separatist elements in the past. Today also we had discussion on the issue. It is not acceptable to us that any element harms the warm and friendly relations between India and Australia by their thoughts or their actions. I thank Prime Minister Albanese for the steps he has taken in this regard. And at the same time, he assured me once again that he will continue to take strict action against such elements.

Friends,

The scope of India-Australia relations is not limited to merely our two countries. It is also linked to regional stability, peace and global welfare. A few days ago, along with Prime Minister Albanese, at the Quad Summit in Hiroshima, we also discussed the Indo-Pacific. India-Australia cooperation can also be beneficial for the progress of the Global South. The Indian tradition of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which sees the whole world as one family, is the central theme of India’s G-20 Presidency. I heartily thank Prime Minister Albanese for Australia’s support to our initiatives in the G-20.

Friends,

I invite Prime Minister Albanese and all Australian cricket fans to come to India for the Cricket World Cup to be held in India this year. At that time, along with cricket, you will also get to see the grand celebration of Diwali.

Excellency,

I am very excited to welcome you again to India for the G-20 Summit in September this year. Thank you very much once again!

Sydney
May 24, 2023

DISCLAIMER – This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered in Hindi.

 

Source: Ministry of External Affairs

Earlier, Australian PM Anthony Albanese announced that it will host the Quad Leaders’ Summit on May 24 in Sydney.

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is not a military alliance but a diplomatic relationship that has come together post the Tsunami, which has shaped a vision for the Indo-Pacific and that’s empowering, Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O’Farrell said on Monday.

On the upcoming Quad summit, the Australian High Commissioner to India said PM Albanese is looking forward to the upcoming summit as it is another great opportunity to showcase Sydney to the world.(ANI)

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Farrell said, “The Quad is not a military alliance. It has no intention of being a military alliance. It is a diplomatic relationship that has come together post that tsunami that created incredible devastation and loss of lives and has progressively shaped a vision for the Indo-Pacific that’s empowering that is about giving people opportunities to do the things they want to do in life to the best of their ability.”

“And the Quad knows that if countries can’t make sovereign choices, citizens can’t make sovereign choices. India and Australia know that countries can’t have proper choices without strong economic growth. And that’s one of the reasons too, that on the bilateral front, Australia and India are doing more economically. So whichever way you look at it, the quad’s been positive. I think it should be celebrated in Sydney on the 24 May, but equally continue to apply itself to its task across the Indo-Pacific and to engage all those countries who are prepared to share the vision and understand that we’ve got to operate within the rules,” he added.

The Quad is the grouping of four democracies — India, Australia, the US, and Japan — that aims to ensure and support a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.

Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that it will host the Quad Leaders’ Summit on May 24 in Sydney reiterating that it will be a chance to work in cooperation with US, Japan and India.

On the upcoming Quad summit, the Australian High Commissioner to India said PM Albanese is looking forward to the upcoming summit as it is another great opportunity to showcase Sydney to the world.

He also stated that this is an interesting year for all 4 Quad partners. India is hosting G20, Japan to host the G7, Australia is hosting the Quad and US is hosting Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. So, Quad partners are cooperating multilaterally to shape a better world for us all.

“We share a positive agenda for a secure, safe and sovereign Indo-Pacific that abides by the rules. And we’ve seen whether in areas of energy, health, security, infrastructure or connectivity, practical outcomes from Quad meetings that have helped countries make choices for themselves,” Farrell said.

Over China’s aggressive stance in the Indo-Pacific, he stated that the agenda and the vision Quad has of an open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where countries and citizens are able to make choices according to their national and personal interests is one that most countries will sign up to.

He believed what the Quad’s delivering is a better future for all people that live across the Indo-Pacific. That’s what they’re trying to achieve, and that’s what this meeting will continue to progress, he noted. (ANI)

Source: Hindustan Times