Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has described the bilateral relationship between Australia and India as a vital 'strategic anchor' for the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. Speaking to ANI on Wednesday in response to the India-Australia CEO Forum and Economic Roadmap Business Reception in Melbourne, Morrison emphasised that both nations share deeply rooted leadership responsibilities.
Strategic Anchor for Regional Security
'The Australia-India relationship is vital to the security of the Indo-Pacific region,' Morrison stated. 'It provides a strategic anchor. We have leadership responsibilities that we must continue to share, and our comprehensive strategic partnership reflects that.' The former prime minister noted that the relationship now extends far beyond traditional diplomacy into advanced technological cooperation and industrial integration.
Bipartisan Consensus and Continuity
Morrison credited his own past administration with elevating the relationship to historic heights alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed satisfaction that the current government under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has seamlessly maintained that momentum, highlighting a strong bipartisan consensus within Australia. 'This relationship is only going to get stronger,' he said.
He pointed to long-term economic and industrial implications, stating, 'The Prime Minister's visit here to Melbourne is incredibly important. Equally, there is a technology sharing, a scale, and an industrial supply chain relationship with India.'
Personal Rapport with PM Modi
Morrison also offered a glimpse into his close personal rapport with Modi, which helped catalyse the diplomatic shift. Recalling a meeting in New Delhi a few months prior, he expressed gratitude for Modi's personal invitation to reconnect in Melbourne. 'I saw Prime Minister Modi in Delhi a few months back and it was wonderful to see him again... It is always good to see him. He is always full of ideas, energy and it was wonderful to be part of that again with him,' he said.
PM Modi's Visit and CEO Forum
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday joined Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the India-Australia CEO Forum and Economic Roadmap Business Reception in Melbourne. This event is part of efforts to bolster bilateral trade and strategic relations during the second leg of Modi's three-nation visit. Addressing the gathering, Modi said, 'The presence of all of you is a symbol of our shared confidence and shared aspirations. Today, the world is going through a period of uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and an energy crisis. At such a time, it is both natural and necessary for India and Australia to move forward as natural and trusted partners. Over the past few years, we have built a strong framework for future cooperation by combining the capabilities of both countries.'
Modi arrived in Australia on Wednesday after concluding his visit to Indonesia and was accorded a grand reception by the Indian diaspora in Melbourne.
