PM Modi and Morrison are anticipated to agree to stronger collaboration in areas such as trade, vital minerals, migration and mobility, and education, with Canberra expecting to announce investments worth a total of Rs. 1,500 crore (Aus$ 280 million). The two leaders will also discuss regional and international topics of mutual concern, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
“Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has maintained its upward trajectory, with both countries continuing to collaborate closely in wide-ranging areas such as science and technology, defence, cyber, critical and strategic materials, water resource management, and public administration and governance,” the PMO said in a statement.
The summit takes place in the midst of Russian aggression in Ukraine, and India’s perspective on the war differs from that of the other Quad members. India is the only member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue that has neither condemned Russian aggression in Ukraine nor backed US-led Western sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian banks, and state-owned enterprises. As a result of the protracted hostilities, India has decided to purchase crude oil from Russia at a reduced price.
“India’s position has been accepted by the Quad countries. At a press conference, Australian high commissioner Barry O’Farrell said, “We recognise that each country has bilateral relationships.”
“And it is apparent from (Ministry of External Affairs and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s) words that he has utilised his contacts to call for the end of the conflict, and no country will be dissatisfied with that,” he continued.
In September 2021, the two leaders met in person for the first time since the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) epidemic on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Washington, DC.
