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
ADVERTISEMENT
- “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.
Follow NRI Affairs on Facebook and Twitter for latest updates. Support us on Patreon.
