Overview of PM Modi’s Visit to Australia
Overview of PM Modi’s Visit to Australia
India’s PM Narendra Modi is currently on a three nation visit which includes Australia. Both India and Australia have deepened their ties following the visit. Here are some of the highlights of the trip.
New Era of Security Cooperation Through Agreements
Australia and India have entered a fresh era of security and military cooperation associated with shared values and aims for defending the international order. Indian and Australian governments have confirmed the signing of a transformative new framework agreement between the two nations. The 2 leaders “have decided to establish the Framework for Security Cooperation to reflect the deepening and expanding security and defence engagement between India and Australia, and to intensify co-operation and consultation between Australia and India in areas of mutual interest," said India's Ministry of External Affairs, as per its website.
New Framework Cum Action Plan
This new framework lays out a comprehensive action plan which includes annual prime ministerial summits as well as maritime military exercises, as per the government of India’s website.
Areas for action will include:
• counter-terrorism
• border control
• consultations on regional as well as global institutions
Australia’s "support for India's bid to be a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council” is also mentioned in the framework.
The framework was noted in a joint statement from both the PMs of Australia and India. The joint statement indicated the new framework would guide closer bilateral collaboration across "defence, counter-terrorism, cyber policy, disarmament and non-proliferation and maritime security".
"They agreed to hold regular meetings at the level of the Defence Minister, conduct regular maritime exercises and convene regular navy to navy, air force to air force and army to army staff talks," revealed the joint statement.
"I welcome the new framework of security co-operation," said the Indian PM. "Security and defence are important and growing areas of the new India-Australia partnership for advancing regional peace and stability and combating terrorism and transnational crimes," he also said.
Historic Address to the Joint Sitting of the Parliament
Modi’s visit to Australia marks the first one by an Indian PM in 28 years. He is also the first to address a historic joint sitting of the Australian parliament during the visit to this nation. Modi's impassioned and powerful speech placed Australia at the centre of India's vision of a prosperous and regional order at a time when security is important. The PM spoke of how the two nations could work together to promote maritime security and fight terrorism.
"India and Australia can play their part in it by expanding security co-operation," Modi told the joint sitting
"What we do need is to work together, and with others, to create an environment and culture that promotes the currency of coexistence and co-operation in which all nations small and big abide by international law and norms ... even when they have bitter disputes," he also said.
"There's an enthusiasm on both our parts for more bilateral and trilateral military exercises and we hope to see much more of that in the years ahead," said Abbott.
Modi indicated his visit with Abbot to the Australian War Memorial had "reminded us of the need to strive together for a better world”.
Security Diamond
The new Indo-Aussie framework fits in with the tightening of ties with Japan and the US. This could be the resurrection of the security quad or security diamond of democratic powers, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The Statue of Gandhi
India’s PM Narendra Modi also unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Brisbane in the presence of an 80,000 strong crowd and the Brisbane Lord Mayor Grahan Quirk.
5 Pacts Signed
India and Australia also signed 5 pacts on social security, transfer of sentenced prisoners, fighting narcotic trade, promoting tourism, arts and culture on 18th November.
•Social Security Agreement: This agreement provides social security and superannuation benefits of those who have been residents of other nations on basis of considerations such as equality of benefits and export of benefits as well as avoidance of double coverage.
•MoU on Anti Narcotic Moves: the MoU on Combating Narcotics Trafficking and Developing Police Cooperation gives priority to tracking and stopping illicit trade and drug money laundering among other activities.
•Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners: rules have been laid down for transfer of sentenced persons and their rehab in society.
•MoU on Cooperation in Art and Culture: Promotion of cooperation will be through exchange of information as well as professional expertise as well as training and exhibition in sectors such as art and culture.
•MoU on tourism: This will encourage cooperation in tourism policy and information between stakeholders as well as training in the hospitality industry.
Early Closure of the Nuclear Agreement
Both India and Australia also agreed to early closure of the civilian nuclear agreement which will give Australia the opportunity to participate in one of the most safest and secure nuclear energy programmes across the globe.
Other Developments
The Free Trade deal between the two countries will be resolved by the end of 2015. India will organise a Make in India show in Australia in the year 2015 and the negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will also be speeded up. A new cultural exchange programme has also been established wherein India will set up a Cultural Centre in Sydney soon by 2015. India will also hold a Festival of India in Australia in the year 2015 and tourism weeks in Australia. PIO and OCI card holders will no longer need to appear before the police station while visiting India. Persons with PIO card will now get lifetime visa to the nation.
Conclusion
A lot of excitement was generated among Indian Australians due to the Indian PM’s visit. It was also a time for the renewal of bilateral ties between the 2 nations.
