Bilateral relations between Australia and India are on a new high the two countries agreed on new trade and strategic pacts.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi held a virtual summit on Monday. The two leaders discussed a landmark investment package.
Here are the highlights:
Trade:
- A $17.9 million package to establish a new Australia-India innovation network and cooperate on trades standards and skills.
- New consulate-general to be established in Bengaluru, the capital of India’s southern Karnataka state.
- $11.4 million to improve regional cooperation on maritime shipping, disaster resilience and information sharing.
- $5.8 million to promote infrastructure investment opportunities in the region to Australian business.
- New high commission to be established in the Maldives as part of investment in the region.
Science and Technology
- “Green Steel” partnership worth $35.7 million to collaborate on research, production and commercialisation of clean technologies, critical minerals and energy.
- A $25.2 million package to expand the Australian Space Agency’s international space investment to further space cooperation with India.
- Australia-India Strategic Research Fund to receive $17.2 million to establish innovation and technology challenges.
Culture
- Increased mobility opportunities for Australians and Indians by establishing a task force to develop recognition arrangements for education qualifications.
- Launch a $28.1 million Centre for Australia-India Relations to increase community ties, promote public discussions and policy dialogue, and engage the Indian community in Australia.
- Maitri initiatives package worth $20.8 million to support scholarships, fellowships, grants and cultural partnerships between Australia and India.
- Broadcasting partnership between Australia’s SBS and India’s Prasar Bharati.
Defence
- Indian maritime patrol aircraft to be deployed to Australia.
- Increase cooperation on maritime issues.
- Young officer exchange program to be established to increase understanding between Indian and Australian defence forces, improve training opportunities and enhance capabilities.
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