EAM’s Australia visit reflective of mutual commitment to deepen bilateral ties
Insight Online News
New Delhi, Nov 7 : External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was on a five-day official visit to Australia from November 3-7, which reflects the mutual commitment to further deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
This was EAM’s fifth visit to Australia in less than three years and the second in 2024. The visit was in continuation of the regular high-level contacts between the two sides, a statement said.
In Canberra, EAM called on Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on November 6 and discussed bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
EAM also held meetings with Australia’s political leadership, including Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, and Leader of Opposition Peter Dutton. EAM also had interactions with members of the Parliamentary Friends of India in Canberra.
EAM co-chaired the 15th Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue (FMFD) with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on November 5 in Canberra. The meeting provided both sides with the opportunity to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including political and strategic, defence and security, trade and investments, education and mobility. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
In Brisbane, EAM inaugurated the Consulate General of India, in the presence of the Governor of Queensland Jeanette Young. The setting up of a Consulate in Brisbane was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Sydney in May 2023.
EAM’s engagements also included interactions with the Indian diaspora in Brisbane, Canberra and Sydney, roundtable with business/investors and the Lowy Institute in Sydney, visit to University of Queensland, and visit to Australia’s Humanitarian Logistics Capability (HLC) warehouse for HADR supplies to the Pacific in Brisbane.
EAM delivered the Keynote Address at the inaugural session of the 2nd Raisina Down Under organised by Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) in Canberra on November 5.
A trilateral session was held at the 2nd Raisina Down Under with EAM, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand Winston Peters.
A bilateral meeting was held with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand Winston Peters in Canberra on the sidelines of the 2nd Raisina Down Under on November 6 in Canberra. The Ministers discussed bilateral cooperation, especially in the areas of education, technology, agriculture, dairy and people-to-people ties, as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The EAM said of his engagements in Sydney today, in posts on X:
“A good start to the day meeting CEOs and Business leaders in Sydney.
“Underlined ongoing transformations in India in digital, infrastructure, manufacturing and skilling. Highlighted natural complementarities between India and Australia to support each other’s growth.
“Our robust business and investment linkages are key drivers of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
On his talk at the Lowy Institute, he said:
“A lively discussion with foreign affairs and strategy experts at the @LowyInstitute today.
“Enjoyed our conversation and exchanges.”
On his meeting with the Indian diaspora, he posted:
“Delighted to meet members of diaspora, MPs and friends of India at NSW Parliament in Sydney today.
“Thanked the Indian community for their active contribution in energising India-Australia partnership.”
