India has such mechanisms only with Russia and Japan. There was serious concern about the ongoing conflict and humanitarian situation in Ukraine and both Modi and Morrison emphasised the need for cessation of hostilities and violence in Ukraine, Shringla said.
At the Summit, India’s key focus was on stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest including shared concerns over terrorism, Shringla said, adding that Modi also referred to the situation in eastern Ladakh and he emphasised that peace and tranquillity in the region was essential for normalisation of India’s ties with China. India and Australia also agreed to boost cooperation in crucial areas such as critical minerals and mobility of students and professionals.
The Australian side unveiled investments of Aus$ 280 million (₹1,560 crore) to drive collaboration in areas such as clean technologies, space and innovation. In his opening remarks at the Summit Morrison talked about the threat of increasing change in the Indo-Pacific region in the wake of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. In an apparent reference to China’s aggressive posture in the region, the Australian Prime Minister said the call by Quad leaders to discuss “Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine” also gave the opportunity to discuss the “implications and consequences of that terrible event for our own region” in the Indo-Pacific and the “coercion and the issues that we face here.”
In his opening remarks Modi, however, didn’t refer to the Russian invasion and focussed his remarks on the shared values and “remarkable progress” made by the two countries in various sectors. “Trade and investment, defence and security, education and innovation, science and technology – in all these sectors we have very close cooperation,” he added. The Indian Prime Minister stressed the importance of an early conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), saying it will be “crucial for our economic relations, economic revival and economic security.
” The early harvest trade deal is expected to be signed by month end. “There is also a good collaboration going on between us in Quad. Our cooperation reflects our commitment to free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific,” he said. The PM’s remarks on Ukraine reflect consistency in India’s position on Ukraine and its balanced position on the crisis. This was evident even during the India-Japan annual summit last Saturday as India did not get into public criticism against Russia. Monday’s summit followed the first virtual summit of June 4, 2020, when the India-Australia relationship was elevated to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”. That was India’s first virtual summit, in the middle of the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Modi also hailed setting up a mechanism for the annual summit between India and Australia.
Speaking at an open session of the India-Australia virtual summit, PM Modi said that the mechanism will help prepare a structural system for regular review of our relations. The Prime Minister also thanked his Australian counterpart for the initiative to return the ancient 29 Indian artefacts. Myanmar was also a subject of discussion at the Summit. “Both sides were concerned about the violent situation (in Myanmar) and that the civil population should be protected and humanitarian access to Myanmar was also emphasised,” Shringla said in his briefing.
“We stressed that our relationship with Myanmar is historical and based on people to people ties. Both sides spoke about supporting the ASEAN initiative in Myanmar and the International community must also come together for humanitarian assistance to Myanmar,” according to Shringla.
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