On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Australian PM Scott Morrison organise a meeting in which they majorly discussed that they will focus on developing a strategic partnership between the two nations, especially during the COVID-19 period. PM said that during this global pandemic period, “the world needs coordinated support and collaborative approach to overcome the economic crisis”. Also, during this time the Indian government has decided to take this problem as an opportunity. Relatively, the PM Modi said that the extensive change has been initiated in almost all the areas and very soon everybody will be able to see the results at the ground level.
This virtual conference between the two nations has set a new model of conducting business and various concerns were being discussed during the meeting, broadly giving the importance to strengthen the relationship between both the countries i.e. India and Australia. PM Modi also told during the meeting with Scott Morrison that this is an immense possibility for both the countries to make the bond of friendship stronger. Further, PM Modi also says that “he firmly believes that this is a perfect opportunity to strengthen the relationship between India and Australia which can come from the depth of sharing values, interests and objectives on a broader scale”. Modi also pitched in his opening remark during the online summit with the Aussie PM for a collaborative approach to come out of the adverse social and economic impact due to the epidemic which has affected the majority of the people globally.
The strategic partnership between both the countries is highly important as India is dedicated to expanding their relationship with Australia on a wider range with a faster pace giving seriousness to the Indo-pacific region especially during the Covid-19 period. Australian PM appreciated Prime Minister Modi for his constructive and positive role in pushing for a concerted global approach while dealing with the infectious virus i.e. coronavirus. Scott Morrison termed India as a trusted friend of Australia and a pioneer in technology. He also remarkably praise India for remaining positive during this tough time and also said that Australia’s relationship with India is a natural one so now the time has come for a deeper tie-up.It has been seen that both the countries i.e. India and Australia have developed a level of understanding from each other’s point of view on regional and global issues. This is the first virtual conference between the two leaders. Modi also expressed his deep condolences to all the families affected by the COVID -19 in Australia on behalf of the people of India.
This meeting provides an opportunity to both the leaders to review the framework of the relationship on the broader scale and further, discussing their responses related to the prevailing pandemic disease i.e. COVID-19. The Bilateral economic engagement has been on an upward trend in the last few years. It has been noticed that both the countries i.e. India and Australia have been focusing on expanding nautical cooperation. India and Australia started their first bilateral naval exercise in 2015 in which they prioritize giving importance on deepening defence and maritime cooperation especially in the Indian Ocean. In this summit, it was also being discussed that this time is very crucial for like-minded democracies and important partners like India and Australia has to work together to shape the type of the region and world for the people to live post-COVID-19. It was revealed by the Australian high commissioner that both the countries India and Australia were expected to sign an agreement for access to military bases for the logistics support during the summit.
