Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison held a constructive virtual summit where they reviewed the bilateral ties and shared their respective visions to advance this partnership.
During a special briefing following the conclusion of the India-Australia virtual summit between PM Modi and Morrison, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said the Summit was very fruitful with a constructive, and warm exchange of views.
"The virtual summit reflects the close ties that exist between India and Australia, as also the shared vision of both Prime Ministers to advance this bilateral partnership," Shringla said.
Noting the rapid progress made in the bilateral ties with Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 21 called for early closure of the 'Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)' for the economic security of the two countries.
Delivering his opening remarks at the second India-Australia Virtual Summit, PM Modi said, "Our (India-Australia) collaboration has grown rapidly in areas such as critical minerals, water management, renewable energy, and Covid-19 research."
During his address, the Prime Minister underscored that India and Australia have made remarkable progress in their ties in the last few years. "Trade and investment, defence and security, education and innovation, science and technology - we have very close cooperation in all these areas," he added.
This virtual meeting comes as the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has maintained the momentum of an upward trajectory with both countries continuing to collaborate closely, despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Prime Minister stressed that the "early closure of CECA will be important" for economic ties, economic revival and economic security of the two countries. "We have good cooperation going on in Quad also. This collaboration of ours reflects our commitment to free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific," he said.
(ANI)