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).
The most recent prime ministerial visit to India was by Minister Turnbull from 9 to 12 April 2017.

Source: DFAT
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi will hold a virtual summit on June 4.
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