Australia, India Defence ministers hold talks on phone

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds held a telephone conversation with her Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday.

Rajnath Singh and Linda Reynolds

Source: Supplied

Highlights
  • Scott Morrison and Narendra Modi will hold a virtual summit on June 4
  • India was Australia's eighth-largest trading partner in 2018-19
  • India is Australia’s biggest source of migrants and new citizens
The two Defence Ministers discussed their country’s respective responses against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister Singh shared India’s contribution to international efforts against COVID-19 and discussed areas of mutual cooperation in the global fight against the pandemic with Minister Reynolds.
‘They also agreed that India-Australia Strategic Partnership provides a good basis for both countries to work together along with other countries in this regard to deal with the post-COVID-19 related challenges,’ a statement from the Indian government said.

Both ministers also conveyed their commitment to take forward the initiatives of bilateral defence and security cooperation under the framework of the India-Australia Strategic Partnership. 
Australia and India have been strategic partners since 2009 and the two countries have strong political, economic and community ties.
India was Australia's eighth-largest trading partner and fifth-largest export market in 2018-19, driven by coal and international education.
Two-way goods and services trade with India was $30.3 billion in 2018-19, and the level of two-way investment was $30.7 billion in 2018.

Australia has set an ambitious agenda to expand its trade and economic relationship with India, as outlined in the India Economic Strategy (IES).
Australia India Trade
Source: DFAT
The most recent prime ministerial visit to India was by Minister Turnbull from 9 to 12 April 2017. 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi will hold a virtual summit on June 4.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.

Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.

SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus

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By Mosiqi Acharya

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Australia, India Defence ministers hold talks on phone | SBS Hindi