MELBOURNE, July 10/INDIAN ABROAD NEWSDESK
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met Opposition Leader Angus Taylor during his visit to Australia, with both leaders discussing the growing strength of the Australia-India relationship and reaffirming support for expanding cooperation across trade, investment, education, technology and regional security, according to India’s Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
According to India’s PMO, Prime Minister Modi said he appreciated the broad bipartisan support for the Australia-India partnership and described the discussions as constructive, focusing on opportunities to deepen cooperation between the two countries. The PMO said the meeting reflected the strong political consensus in Australia on building closer ties with India.
Reuters reported that the meeting came as Australia and India signed a series of agreements covering defence, critical minerals, clean energy, education and advanced technologies during Prime Minister Modi’s visit. The news agency said bipartisan backing from both the Government and the Opposition provides greater certainty for businesses and investors seeking to expand commercial links between the two countries.
According to the Liberal Party of Australia, Angus Taylor welcomed the opportunity to discuss the future of the bilateral relationship and highlighted the importance of strengthening economic cooperation, regional security and people-to-people links. The party said Australia and India share a commitment to a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific built on democratic values and open markets.
ABC News reported that support for closer engagement with India has become one of the few areas of broad agreement across Australia’s political spectrum, with successive governments viewing the relationship as increasingly important for economic growth, regional security and diversification of trade. The broadcaster said India’s growing economic influence has further reinforced the strategic significance of the partnership.
According to India’s PMO, the meeting underscored the depth of support for stronger Australia-India relations across Australia’s political landscape. Reuters reported that bipartisan backing is expected to provide long-term confidence for businesses, universities and multicultural communities, including the Indian diaspora, as both countries continue to expand cooperation across a wide range of sectors.
