EAM Jaishankar calls on Aus PM Albanese to discuss bilateral strategic ties

PTI, Feb 18, 2023, 10:42 AM IST

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday and held discussions on a range of subjects, including bilateral strategic partnership, economic opportunities, people-to-people ties and cricket.

Jaishankar, who arrived here from Fiji, also conveyed personal greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his Australian counterpart.

”Delighted to call on PM @AlboMP of Australia today morning in Kirribilli House in Sydney. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM @narendramodi. Our discussions reflected the full spirit of our strategic partnership. Apprised @AlboMP of recent developments in that regard,” he tweeted.

”It was wonderful to meet with @DrSJaishankar this morning ahead of my trip to India next month. We discussed our strategic partnership, economic opportunities and the people-to-people ties that enrich our nations,” Australian Premier Albanese tweeted.

Earlier, Jaishankar spoke at the Sydney Business Breakfast event where he emphasised that in today’s global landscape, like-minded countries need to work together ”to derisk economy” and rise to challenges of the digital world and build relationships that serve as stabilisers for the economy.

”India and Australia are on-track. Bilaterally, our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership sets the framework and the ECTA will turbocharge the relationship. Regular contacts are helping,” he said.

”In a changing global scenario, India and Australia are forging a crucial partnership and the contributions of all stakeholders is appreciated,” he said.

Jaishankar said transformational governance changes underway in India are showing results.

He said a strong digital backbone was paving the way for efficient and effective delivery.

”A bullish economic scenario today in India and positive investment climate a result of decisions taken during difficult times. Make in India, Invent in India, PLIs, Gati Shakti are all going strong. Economic confidence being seen in our ability to create, collaborate & manufacture,” he tweeted.

Jaishankar is on his third visit to Australia since February last year. He visited Melbourne last year to attend the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

He also visited Australia in October to attend the 13th India-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue (FMFD).