Second (2nd) India Australia Virtual Summit Updates

2nd India Australia Virtual Summit Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart, Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, participated in the 2nd India-Australia Virtual Summit, during which they reviewed and exchanged views on the multifaceted relationship between the two countries as well as regional and global developments.

Firstly Prime Minister Modi conveyed his condolences for the devastation caused by catastrophic flooding in New South Wales and Queensland.

Following the 1st Virtual Summit in June 2020, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress accomplished as a result of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that was established during the summit.

Modi expressed his pleasure at the expanded scope of the relationship, which now includes diverse areas such as trade and investment, defence and security, higher education and innovation, science and technology (critical minerals), water management (including water treatment), new and renewable energy technology, Covid-19-related research, and others.

Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for returning 29 ancient artefacts to India. These artefacts include sculptures, paintings, and pictures from various parts of India that date back hundreds of years, including some that date back to the 9th and 10th centuries.

The artefacts on display include Chola bronzes from the 12th century, Jain sculptures from the 11th and 12th centuries from Rajasthan, a 12th-13th century sandstone Goddess Mahisasuramardini from Gujarat, paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries, and early gelatin silver photographs.

Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Morrison for looking after the Indian community in Australia, particularly Indian students, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Both leaders expressed appreciation for the growing strategic convergence between their respective countries as fellow democracies with similar values and mutual objectives, which include a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

On this occasion, a Joint Statement was issued addressing different areas of the growing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both sides also agreed to hold yearly Prime Ministers’ summits as part of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

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Link: Current Affairs Updates | Pervious

Source: PIB