Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a significant bilateral discussion with his Australian counterpart, Scott Morrison, on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Rome. This high-level interaction underscores the continued strengthening of the strategic partnership between the two Indo-Pacific nations.
Key Discussions and Agreements
The meeting between the two leaders was marked by warmth and a shared commitment to deepening ties. The talks primarily revolved around bolstering the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that exists between India and Australia. A major focus was on enhancing trade and investment flows, with both leaders expressing a desire to expand economic cooperation in the post-pandemic era.
Defense and security collaboration formed another crucial pillar of the dialogue. The leaders discussed ongoing cooperation in the maritime domain and reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. This aligns with their participation in the Quad framework, alongside the United States and Japan.
Strengthening Multilateral Cooperation
Beyond their bilateral agenda, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Morrison also exchanged views on contemporary global issues. Climate change and the collective fight against the COVID-19 pandemic were key topics of discussion. They emphasized the importance of global solidarity and the role of forums like the G20 in addressing these pressing challenges.
The meeting, held on October 30, 2021, was a continuation of the frequent high-level engagements between the two countries. It served to reinforce the positive momentum in the relationship, building on previous virtual summits and ministerial visits.
A Partnership for the Future
This interaction on the sidelines of a major international gathering highlights the priority both nations accord to their partnership. The discussions have paved the way for further collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including critical minerals, clean energy, and education. The continued dialogue between the leaders ensures that the India-Australia relationship remains robust and forward-looking.
