S Jaishankar in Melbourne: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today co-chaired the 12th 'Framework Dialogue' of the Foreign Ministers of India-Australia with his Australian counterpart Marise Payne. After the meeting, S Jaishankar said, "We also shared our concerns about terrorism and extremism. We are serious about cross-border terrorism." At the same time, he also gave a statement regarding the China land dispute.
Our joint effort to promote counter-terrorism cooperation: Jaishankar.
Jaishankar further said, "We are committed to building a more reliable and resilient supply chain while ensuring comprehensive inclusive growth in the Indo-Pacific region. We also shared concerns about terrorism and extremism. We are serious about cross-border terrorism. It is our joint effort to raise this issue in multilateral fora and promote counter-terrorism cooperation."
Jaishankar said the situation arose due to China's disregard for written agreements about not deploying heavy security forces along the border in the year 2020. "When a large country defies written commitments, it is a matter of concern for the entire international community. We discussed India-China relations in the (Quad) because it was part of what is happening in our neighborhood. We informed each other about this. This is an issue in which many countries are legitimately interested, especially if they are from the Indo-Pacific region," Jaishankar said.
Discussions reflect the big change in our relations: Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also visited the Shrine of Remembrance, one of Australia's largest war memorials to honour the memory of the martyred soldiers. Speaking to the media, Jaishankar said, "Even in this very difficult period of covid, many of the continuous discussions between the two countries reflect the big change in our relationship. I welcome the decision of the Australian government to open the borders, which will help those who are waiting to return to India, especially students and temporary visa holders. This step should be appreciated."
Deep ties between Australia and India in trade and investment: Maris Payne
Australian Foreign Minister Maris Payne said that Australia and India have deep ties in trade and investment. "Dan Tehan is returning from India after a round of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. We will spend more than $6 million over 4 years under the Friendship Cultural Partnership to promote cultural support and creative industries between the two countries. Also, under the Friendship Scholar Program, the Government of Australia will provide aid of US $ 11 million over 4 years to help Indian students to study in leading Australian universities," she said.