Highlights
- India is Australia's eighth-largest trading partner
- Two-way trade with India was valued at over $30 billion in 2018-19
- Prime Ministers to discuss new opportunities in defence, trade, maritime safety and security, science and technology, and education
PM Morrison is holding his first virtual summit with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at 3.30 pm on Thursday.
WATCH THE VIRTUAL SUMMIT LIVE:
An hour before the scheduled virtual summit, India shared a short video showcasing the warm relationship that both the countries and the Prime Ministers share.
PM Morrison responded saying, he looked ‘forward to catching up with Narendra Modi’, acknowledging the tweet by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
PM Morrison was scheduled to visit India in January 2020 to meet with the Indian leadership, businesses and deliver the keynote address at the eminent Raisina Dialogue.
It was meant to be Mr Morrison’s first visit to India after becoming the Prime Minister but it was called off at the last minute due to the bushfire crisis.
On Sunday, Prime Minister took to Twitter to announce the two leaders were finally meeting, but this time in a ‘virtual summit’ amid COVID-19 pandemic.
Holding a tray full of samosas (an Indian puff pastry), Mr Morrison said it was "a pity" his meeting with Mr Modi was going to be via video link.
"Sunday ScoMosas with mango chutney, all made from scratch — including the chutney!" he tweeted.
Mr Modi responded saying the samosas looked "delicious".
"Connected by the Indian Ocean, united by the Indian Samosa! Looks delicious, PM @ScottMorrisonMP!" he tweeted.
What’s on agenda for Leaders’ Virtual Summit?
PM Morrison has said he was looking forward to discussing the countries' responses to the COVID-19 pandemic along with discussing new opportunities for trade.
"Prime Minister Modi and I will also discuss new opportunities in defence, trade, maritime safety and security, science and technology, and education," Mr Morrison said.
“As like-minded democracies and natural strategic partners, Australia and India are in full agreement that our strong bilateral relationship is key to a more open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
“The Virtual Summit will deepen our strong existing ties. With the shared determination of both nations, I have no doubt that our partnership will continue to go from strength to strength.”
India is Australia’s eighth-largest trading partner with two-way trade valued at $30.3 billion in 2018-19.
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