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Tag: India-Australia ties

  • PM Modi raises concern over assault on temples in Australia throughout talks with Albanese

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday conveyed to his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese India’s issues over the assaults on temples in Australia by Khalistani supporters. 

    Both leaders additionally carried out an in depth dialogue on maritime safety within the Indo-Pacific area on the first annual India-Australia Summit on the nationwide capital.

    In his media assertion, Modi referred to the contribution of the Indian neighborhood in Australia and described the incidents of vandalism in Australia as a “matter of regret.”

    “It is a matter of regret that reports of attacks on temples have come regularly from Australia over the past few weeks. It is natural that such news worries everyone in India, and disturbs our mind,” he stated.

    “I conveyed these feelings and concerns to Prime Minister Albanese and he has assured me that the safety of the Indian community is of special priority for him. Our teams will be in regular contact on this matter, and will cooperate as much as possible,” he added.

    The Indian High Commission in Canberra not too long ago condemned the “deeply disturbing” incidents of vandalisation of three Hindu temples in Melbourne and requested the Australian Government to make sure the security and safety of members of the Indian neighborhood and their properties within the nation.

    In January, ISKCON’s Hare Krishna Temple was vandalized in Melbourne’s Albert Park space. Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs was vandalized on January 16 and BAPS Swaminarayan Temple within the Mill Park space on January 12.

    Both leaders additionally mentioned varied elements of mutual cooperation together with strategic convergence and customary pursuits within the Indo-Pacific area. The leaders vowed to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).

    On the proposed CECA, Albanese stated the “transformational deal” will realise the complete potential of the bilateral financial relationship, creating new employment alternatives and elevating dwelling requirements for the folks of each Australia and India.

    ALSO READ | PM Albanese visits INS Vikrant, says Australia to host Exercise Malabar

    Meanwhile, PM Modi described safety cooperation as an necessary pillar of the India-Australia complete strategic partnership. “We had a detailed discussion on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region and increasing mutual defence and security cooperation. To enhance contact and friendship among our young soldiers, we have established the General Rawat Officers Exchange Programme, which has started this month,” PM Modi added.

    The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) was applied final 12 months and has opened up higher alternatives for commerce and funding between each nations. The discussions have been additionally targeted on boosting cooperation in clear power, commerce and funding, defence and safety, important minerals, migration and mobility, provide chains, training, tradition and sports activities.

    “I am proud of the deep and vibrant ties between our nations. My visit has strengthened the already close relationship that Australia enjoys with India – which is a key partner in the Indo-Pacific. Building a stronger partnership with India will deliver tangible benefits for Australia in trade and investment, education, renewable energy, defence, security and culture,” stated PM Albanese.

    ALSO READ | Australian PM Albanese celebrates Holi in Gujarat, visits Sabarmati Ashram

    The two sides additionally inked 4 agreements offering for cooperation in areas of sports activities, innovation, audio-visual manufacturing and solar energy following the talks between Modi and Albanese.

    Meanwhile, India and Australia are additionally shifting ahead with the Mobility Agreement which will probably be helpful for college students, employees, and professionals. The Indian diaspora is now the second largest immigrant neighborhood in Australia which is making a big contribution to the society and economic system of Australia.

    Australia will host Exercise Malabar for the primary time this 12 months. The Malabar naval train started in 1992 between India and the US, whereas Australia was included as a everlasting member in 2020. “Building real collaboration with partners like India, Japan and the US is a good thing,” PM Albanese added.

    In his remarks, Albanese described his nation’s relationship with India as “multifaceted” and stated he was trying ahead to internet hosting Modi in Australia for the Quad leaders’ summit in May after which returning to India in September for the G20 summit.

    (With inputs from PTI, ANI)

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday conveyed to his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese India’s issues over the assaults on temples in Australia by Khalistani supporters. 

    Both leaders additionally carried out an in depth dialogue on maritime safety within the Indo-Pacific area on the first annual India-Australia Summit on the nationwide capital.

    In his media assertion, Modi referred to the contribution of the Indian neighborhood in Australia and described the incidents of vandalism in Australia as a “matter of regret.”googletag.cmd.push(operate() googletag.show(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); );

    “It is a matter of regret that reports of attacks on temples have come regularly from Australia over the past few weeks. It is natural that such news worries everyone in India, and disturbs our mind,” he stated.

    “I conveyed these feelings and concerns to Prime Minister Albanese and he has assured me that the safety of the Indian community is of special priority for him. Our teams will be in regular contact on this matter, and will cooperate as much as possible,” he added.

    The Indian High Commission in Canberra not too long ago condemned the “deeply disturbing” incidents of vandalisation of three Hindu temples in Melbourne and requested the Australian Government to make sure the security and safety of members of the Indian neighborhood and their properties within the nation.

    In January, ISKCON’s Hare Krishna Temple was vandalized in Melbourne’s Albert Park space. Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs was vandalized on January 16 and BAPS Swaminarayan Temple within the Mill Park space on January 12.

    Both leaders additionally mentioned varied elements of mutual cooperation together with strategic convergence and customary pursuits within the Indo-Pacific area. The leaders vowed to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).

    On the proposed CECA, Albanese stated the “transformational deal” will realise the complete potential of the bilateral financial relationship, creating new employment alternatives and elevating dwelling requirements for the folks of each Australia and India.

    ALSO READ | PM Albanese visits INS Vikrant, says Australia to host Exercise Malabar

    Meanwhile, PM Modi described safety cooperation as an necessary pillar of the India-Australia complete strategic partnership. “We had a detailed discussion on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region and increasing mutual defence and security cooperation. To enhance contact and friendship among our young soldiers, we have established the General Rawat Officers Exchange Programme, which has started this month,” PM Modi added.

    The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) was applied final 12 months and has opened up higher alternatives for commerce and funding between each nations. The discussions have been additionally targeted on boosting cooperation in clear power, commerce and funding, defence and safety, important minerals, migration and mobility, provide chains, training, tradition and sports activities.

    “I am proud of the deep and vibrant ties between our nations. My visit has strengthened the already close relationship that Australia enjoys with India – which is a key partner in the Indo-Pacific. Building a stronger partnership with India will deliver tangible benefits for Australia in trade and investment, education, renewable energy, defence, security and culture,” stated PM Albanese.

    ALSO READ | Australian PM Albanese celebrates Holi in Gujarat, visits Sabarmati Ashram

    The two sides additionally inked 4 agreements offering for cooperation in areas of sports activities, innovation, audio-visual manufacturing and solar energy following the talks between Modi and Albanese.

    Meanwhile, India and Australia are additionally shifting ahead with the Mobility Agreement which will probably be helpful for college students, employees, and professionals. The Indian diaspora is now the second largest immigrant neighborhood in Australia which is making a big contribution to the society and economic system of Australia.

    Australia will host Exercise Malabar for the primary time this 12 months. The Malabar naval train started in 1992 between India and the US, whereas Australia was included as a everlasting member in 2020. “Building real collaboration with partners like India, Japan and the US is a good thing,” PM Albanese added.

    In his remarks, Albanese described his nation’s relationship with India as “multifaceted” and stated he was trying ahead to internet hosting Modi in Australia for the Quad leaders’ summit in May after which returning to India in September for the G20 summit.

    (With inputs from PTI, ANI)

  • Australian PM Albanese celebrates Holi in Gujarat, visits Sabarmati Ashram

    By PTI

    AHMEDABAD: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday celebrated Holi at Raj Bhavan in Gujarat’s capital of Gandhinagar on the primary day of his India go to and mentioned the pageant of colors signifies the triumph of excellent over evil and its message is an everlasting reminder for all.

    Albanese, who’s on a four-day India journey, was welcomed by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at Raj Bhavan by making use of color on his face as a mark of Holi celebrations, mentioned a state authorities launch.

    The ‘Holi Celebrations’ occasion was organised by the Governor in honour of the visiting dignitary and his delegation. Gujarat Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary together with a number of state ministers have been current on the event, mentioned the discharge. Later, artists from totally different states, together with Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, carried out their conventional dance kinds on the occasion.

    The Australian chief posted images from the occasion on Twitter and wrote, “Honoured to celebrate Holi in Ahmedabad, India. Holi’s message of renewal through the triumph of good over evil is an enduring reminder for all of us.”

    “No matter what your faith is or where you’ve come from – we celebrate and value what unites us,” he mentioned in one other put up.

    No matter what your religion is or the place you’ve come from—we rejoice and worth what unites us. pic.twitter.com/wcowVPm4LW

    — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 8, 2023

    Speaking on the occasion, Albanese mentioned although it’s his first official go to because the PM, he got here to India as a teenager manner again in 1991 and stayed within the nation for six weeks.

    He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inviting him and added he’s excited to observe the fourth cricket Test match between Australia and India in Ahmedabad. The two PMs will watch the primary day of the Test between India and Australia starting on the Narendra Modi Stadium at Motera on Thursday.

    ‘Gandhian values proceed to encourage world’

    Earlier within the day, the Australian Prime Minister paid wealthy tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, saying his values and philosophy proceed to encourage the world and loads may be learnt from his life, as he visited the Sabarmati Ashram right here.

    Albanese arrived on the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport within the metropolis within the night and headed straight to the Ashram, the previous house of Mahatma Gandhi which additionally served as one of many fundamental centres of India’s freedom battle. He was welcomed on the airport by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who additionally accompanied the visiting chief throughout the Ashram tour.

    Australian PM Anthony Albanese pays homage to Gandhiji at Sabarmati Ashram. (Photo | PTI)

    Though it was not obligatory for guests to take away footwear whereas strolling on the open floor of the Ashram, the Australian PM did so out of respect for Mahatma Gandhi and the long-lasting place, mentioned Ashram trustee Kartikeya Sarabhai.

    The visiting dignitary additionally noticed ‘Hriday Kunj’, a room contained in the Ashram the place the Indian independence hero lived. “He (Albanese) was amazed to see how khadi is weaved using a spinning wheel. The word ‘khadi’ was new to him, so our trustee Amrutbhai Modi, explained the entire process to him,” Sarabhai instructed reporters.

    On behalf of the Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust, Sarabhai and different trustees gifted to the visiting chief a e book written by Australian creator Thomas Weber on Mahatma Gandhi’s historic salt march. The Ashram gifted one other e book depicting the Father of the Nation’s life in Ahmedabad from 1915 to 1930, and a reproduction of ‘charkha’, or spinning wheel, to Albanese, who spent practically 20 minutes on the premises.

    In the customer’s e book, the Australian chief wrote that Mahatma Gandhi’s values and philosophy nonetheless encourage the complete world. “It is a great honour to visit, to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi whose philosophy and life values continue to inspire the world today. We have much to learn from his example,” wrote the Australian PM within the e book earlier than leaving for Raj Bhavan.

    ALSO READ | Indian levels to be acknowledged in Australia, says PM Albanese

    ‘Looking ahead to productive deliberations’

    Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday mentioned he’s trying ahead to deliberations along with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese to additional the friendship between the 2 international locations.

    Tagging the Australian prime minister’s tweet during which he mentioned he’s bringing a delegation of ministers and enterprise leaders to India right this moment, Modi tweeted, “India eagerly awaits your arrival! Looking forward to productive deliberations to further the India-Australia friendship.”

    Albanese mentioned he was eager to additional deepen Canberra’s multifaceted relationship with New Delhi at a time of extraordinary progress and dynamism, particularly in areas of commerce, safety and people-to-people hyperlinks. In Delhi, Albanese can be accorded a ceremonial welcome on the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on March 10, 2023.

    Prime Minister Modi and his Australian counterpart will maintain the Annual Summit to debate areas of cooperation underneath the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, apart from regional and world problems with mutual curiosity.

    AHMEDABAD: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday celebrated Holi at Raj Bhavan in Gujarat’s capital of Gandhinagar on the primary day of his India go to and mentioned the pageant of colors signifies the triumph of excellent over evil and its message is an everlasting reminder for all.

    Albanese, who’s on a four-day India journey, was welcomed by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at Raj Bhavan by making use of color on his face as a mark of Holi celebrations, mentioned a state authorities launch.

    The ‘Holi Celebrations’ occasion was organised by the Governor in honour of the visiting dignitary and his delegation. Gujarat Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary together with a number of state ministers have been current on the event, mentioned the discharge. Later, artists from totally different states, together with Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, carried out their conventional dance kinds on the occasion.googletag.cmd.push(operate() googletag.show(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); );

    The Australian chief posted images from the occasion on Twitter and wrote, “Honoured to celebrate Holi in Ahmedabad, India. Holi’s message of renewal through the triumph of good over evil is an enduring reminder for all of us.”

    “No matter what your faith is or where you’ve come from – we celebrate and value what unites us,” he mentioned in one other put up.

    No matter what your religion is or the place you’ve come from—we rejoice and worth what unites us. pic.twitter.com/wcowVPm4LW

    — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 8, 2023

    Speaking on the occasion, Albanese mentioned although it’s his first official go to because the PM, he got here to India as a teenager manner again in 1991 and stayed within the nation for six weeks.

    He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inviting him and added he’s excited to observe the fourth cricket Test match between Australia and India in Ahmedabad. The two PMs will watch the primary day of the Test between India and Australia starting on the Narendra Modi Stadium at Motera on Thursday.

    ‘Gandhian values proceed to encourage world’

    Earlier within the day, the Australian Prime Minister paid wealthy tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, saying his values and philosophy proceed to encourage the world and loads may be learnt from his life, as he visited the Sabarmati Ashram right here.

    Albanese arrived on the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport within the metropolis within the night and headed straight to the Ashram, the previous house of Mahatma Gandhi which additionally served as one of many fundamental centres of India’s freedom battle. He was welcomed on the airport by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who additionally accompanied the visiting chief throughout the Ashram tour.

    Australian PM Anthony Albanese pays homage to Gandhiji at Sabarmati Ashram. (Photo | PTI)Though it was not obligatory for guests to take away footwear whereas strolling on the open floor of the Ashram, the Australian PM did so out of respect for Mahatma Gandhi and the long-lasting place, mentioned Ashram trustee Kartikeya Sarabhai.

    The visiting dignitary additionally noticed ‘Hriday Kunj’, a room contained in the Ashram the place the Indian independence hero lived. “He (Albanese) was amazed to see how khadi is weaved using a spinning wheel. The word ‘khadi’ was new to him, so our trustee Amrutbhai Modi, explained the entire process to him,” Sarabhai instructed reporters.

    On behalf of the Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust, Sarabhai and different trustees gifted to the visiting chief a e book written by Australian creator Thomas Weber on Mahatma Gandhi’s historic salt march. The Ashram gifted one other e book depicting the Father of the Nation’s life in Ahmedabad from 1915 to 1930, and a reproduction of ‘charkha’, or spinning wheel, to Albanese, who spent practically 20 minutes on the premises.

    In the customer’s e book, the Australian chief wrote that Mahatma Gandhi’s values and philosophy nonetheless encourage the complete world. “It is a great honour to visit, to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi whose philosophy and life values continue to inspire the world today. We have much to learn from his example,” wrote the Australian PM within the e book earlier than leaving for Raj Bhavan.

    ALSO READ | Indian levels to be acknowledged in Australia, says PM Albanese

    ‘Looking ahead to productive deliberations’

    Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday mentioned he’s trying ahead to deliberations along with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese to additional the friendship between the 2 international locations.

    Tagging the Australian prime minister’s tweet during which he mentioned he’s bringing a delegation of ministers and enterprise leaders to India right this moment, Modi tweeted, “India eagerly awaits your arrival! Looking forward to productive deliberations to further the India-Australia friendship.”

    Albanese mentioned he was eager to additional deepen Canberra’s multifaceted relationship with New Delhi at a time of extraordinary progress and dynamism, particularly in areas of commerce, safety and people-to-people hyperlinks. In Delhi, Albanese can be accorded a ceremonial welcome on the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on March 10, 2023.

    Prime Minister Modi and his Australian counterpart will maintain the Annual Summit to debate areas of cooperation underneath the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, apart from regional and world problems with mutual curiosity.

  • Indian levels to be acknowledged in Australia, says PM Albanese

    By PTI

    AHMEDABAD: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday introduced that his nation and the Indian authorities have finalized the `Australia-India Education Qualification Recognition Mechanism.’

    Albanese, on a go to to India, was talking at a programme right here to formally announce that Australia’s Deakin University could be establishing a world department campus at GIFT City in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar.

    “There is a significant development in our bilateral education relations. I am pleased to tell you that we have finalised Australia-India Education Qualification Recognition Mechanism,” he stated.

    “This new mechanism means that if you are an Indian student who is studying or have studied in Australia, your hard-earned degree will be recognised when you return home. Or if you are a member of Australia’s very large Indian diaspora — 500,000 and growing — you will feel more confident that your Indian qualification will be recognised in Australia,” he stated.

    It is essentially the most complete and impressive association agreed to by India with any nation, Albanese stated.

    “It paved the way for commercial opportunities for Australian education providers to offer innovative and more accessible education to Indian students. And it provides a solid basis for educational institutions to consider new ways to partner with each other,” he stated.

    “It is a fantastic piece of work that will have real tangible benefits,” the visiting prime minister added.

    He additionally introduced a brand new scholarship for Indian college students who wish to examine in Australia. “I am pleased to announce a new scholarship offering — the Maitri scholarships. This is for Indian students to study in Australia for up to four years. The scholarships are part of the wider Maitri programme that seeks to boost cultural, educational and community ties between Australia and India,” Albanese stated.

    Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Governor Acharya Devvrat have been additionally current on the event.

    AHMEDABAD: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday introduced that his nation and the Indian authorities have finalized the `Australia-India Education Qualification Recognition Mechanism.’

    Albanese, on a go to to India, was talking at a programme right here to formally announce that Australia’s Deakin University could be establishing a world department campus at GIFT City in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar.

    “There is a significant development in our bilateral education relations. I am pleased to tell you that we have finalised Australia-India Education Qualification Recognition Mechanism,” he stated.googletag.cmd.push(operate() googletag.show(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); );

    “This new mechanism means that if you are an Indian student who is studying or have studied in Australia, your hard-earned degree will be recognised when you return home. Or if you are a member of Australia’s very large Indian diaspora — 500,000 and growing — you will feel more confident that your Indian qualification will be recognised in Australia,” he stated.

    It is essentially the most complete and impressive association agreed to by India with any nation, Albanese stated.

    “It paved the way for commercial opportunities for Australian education providers to offer innovative and more accessible education to Indian students. And it provides a solid basis for educational institutions to consider new ways to partner with each other,” he stated.

    “It is a fantastic piece of work that will have real tangible benefits,” the visiting prime minister added.

    He additionally introduced a brand new scholarship for Indian college students who wish to examine in Australia. “I am pleased to announce a new scholarship offering — the Maitri scholarships. This is for Indian students to study in Australia for up to four years. The scholarships are part of the wider Maitri programme that seeks to boost cultural, educational and community ties between Australia and India,” Albanese stated.

    Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Governor Acharya Devvrat have been additionally current on the event.

  • Australian PM to go to India, more likely to ink deal in uncommon earth mineral sector

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The upcoming go to of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to India will is predicted to spice up important investments within the uncommon earth and important minerals sector.  

    Australian Ambassador Barry O’Farrell mentioned, “Australia is blessed with critical minerals and India is a reliable and trusted partner. There could be talks around cooperation in this sector when PM Albanese visits India on March 8th.”

    The Australian Prime Minister lands in Ahmedabad on Wednesday and is predicted to participate in Holi celebrations. He can be scheduled to observe the India-Australia cricket take a look at match with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and can later maintain bilateral talks together with his Indian counterpart on Friday.

    This shall be Albanese’s first go to to India after assuming the Prime Minister’s workplace. He is predicted to fulfill PM Modi thrice this 12 months – the second assembly is predicted through the G20 Summit, whereas the third assembly will happen through the Quad summit in Australia. 

    PM Albanese shall be making his first go to to India after assuming cost as PM and is slated to fulfill PM Modi thrice this 12 months. The second assembly between the 2 leaders shall be through the G20 Summit and the third through the Quad Summit in Australia. A 27-member delegation together with Trade minister Don Farrell and Resources Minister Madeleine King are anticipated to accompany the Australian PM.

    Australia can be within the means of organising a University campus in Gujarat and an announcement shall be made through the upcoming go to. “The New Education Policy (NEP) has opened the doors for Indian students to get admitted in an Australian University which has a campus in India,” Ambassador Farrell mentioned.

    Meanwhile, each nations have obtained a lift following the signing of the Economic Comprehensive Trade Agreement (ECTA) which got here into pressure on December 29, 2022. Under the pact, Australia was to supply zero-duty entry to India for about 96. 4 per cent of exports (by worth) from the day the settlement was enforced.

    Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal is predicted to have talks together with his visiting Australian counterpart Don Farrell too later this week. Furthermore, India and Australia can even take a look at growing joint defence workouts, and enhancing info sharing within the maritime area.

    The Australian envoy additionally responded to incidents of vandalism of Hindu temples in Australia over the previous two months, allegedly by pro-Khalistan supporters. “Australia believes in freedom of expression, however there isn’t a area for any hate speech,’’ he mentioned.

    NEW DELHI: The upcoming go to of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to India will is predicted to spice up important investments within the uncommon earth and important minerals sector.  

    Australian Ambassador Barry O’Farrell mentioned, “Australia is blessed with critical minerals and India is a reliable and trusted partner. There could be talks around cooperation in this sector when PM Albanese visits India on March 8th.”

    The Australian Prime Minister lands in Ahmedabad on Wednesday and is predicted to participate in Holi celebrations. He can be scheduled to observe the India-Australia cricket take a look at match with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and can later maintain bilateral talks together with his Indian counterpart on Friday.googletag.cmd.push(perform() googletag.show(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); );

    This shall be Albanese’s first go to to India after assuming the Prime Minister’s workplace. He is predicted to fulfill PM Modi thrice this 12 months – the second assembly is predicted through the G20 Summit, whereas the third assembly will happen through the Quad summit in Australia. 

    PM Albanese shall be making his first go to to India after assuming cost as PM and is slated to fulfill PM Modi thrice this 12 months. The second assembly between the 2 leaders shall be through the G20 Summit and the third through the Quad Summit in Australia. A 27-member delegation together with Trade minister Don Farrell and Resources Minister Madeleine King are anticipated to accompany the Australian PM.

    Australia can be within the means of organising a University campus in Gujarat and an announcement shall be made through the upcoming go to. “The New Education Policy (NEP) has opened the doors for Indian students to get admitted in an Australian University which has a campus in India,” Ambassador Farrell mentioned.

    Meanwhile, each nations have obtained a lift following the signing of the Economic Comprehensive Trade Agreement (ECTA) which got here into pressure on December 29, 2022. Under the pact, Australia was to supply zero-duty entry to India for about 96. 4 per cent of exports (by worth) from the day the settlement was enforced.

    Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal is predicted to have talks together with his visiting Australian counterpart Don Farrell too later this week. Furthermore, India and Australia can even take a look at growing joint defence workouts, and enhancing info sharing within the maritime area.

    The Australian envoy additionally responded to incidents of vandalism of Hindu temples in Australia over the previous two months, allegedly by pro-Khalistan supporters. “Australia believes in freedom of expression, however there isn’t a area for any hate speech,’’ he mentioned.

  • Australia interim commerce deal to be inked in the present day: 95% exports to be obligation free

    India is ready to signal an interim commerce settlement with Australia on Saturday, which is able to give exporters zero obligation entry to the Australian marketplace for over 6,000 items, together with labour intensive merchandise corresponding to textiles, leather-based, attire and footwear.

    The zero obligation entry for Indian exports to Australia will cowl over 95 per cent of shipments to Australia instantly and provides 100 per cent of Indian exports zero obligation entry over 5 years.

    Officials stated that the majority items that India exports to Australia at the moment appeal to a 5 per cent import obligation, placing them at a drawback when in comparison with items from nations with which Australia has free commerce agreements (FTAs) or least developed nations which face zero obligation. “So they (competitor countries) have that advantage of 5% (duty)… especially on labour intensive sectors: textiles, apparel, leather, footwear… India would be able to neutralise that disadvantage we have vis-a-vis our competitors,” an official stated.

    India, in flip, is ready to offer zero obligation entry to over 70 per cent of Australian imports with decrease tariffs on sure different merchandise together with Australian wine. Officials stated the deal was an “enhanced partnership” settlement with a complete FTA prone to be concluded subsequently.

    India signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the UAE in February and is at the moment negotiating FTAs with the UK, EU and Canada.

    “We have tried to preserve the sensitivities of India” , stated an official, including that India had excluded dairy merchandise from the settlement. Australia’s Trade Minister Dan Tehan had beforehand famous that Canberra understood that beef, dairy and wheat had been delicate points for India.

    As per media studies in Australia, Australian merchandise that may obtain zero obligation entry beneath the pact embrace metallic ores, lamb, and wool. The deal may have safeguard provisions just like these within the UAE FTA which permits for a return to greater duties if there’s a sudden surge in imports of a specific product which negatively impacts home business.

    Merchandise commerce between India and Australia stood at $12.3 billion in FY21, with India exporting items value $4 billion and importing items value $8.3 billion. Key exports to Australia embrace petroleum merchandise, attire, textiles and engineering items. Coal, metallic ores and different uncooked and intermediate merchandise are amongst main imports from Australia.

    Coal alone accounted for over three-fourths of imports from Australia. Coal imports at the moment fetch an obligation of two.5 per cent. which might be eliminated within the settlement.

  • Revenue impression, India Inc considerations gradual Australia FTA talks

    A proposed interim commerce settlement between India and Australia upfront of a full-fledged Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is dealing with delays, as the federal government has needed to enter inter-ministerial dialogue concerning the impression the proposed settlement on home business and income implications of lowering duties on sure imports from Australia, in keeping with officers conscious of developments.

    At the beginning of commerce negotiations, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had introduced that the 2 nations had been aiming to conclude an interim or early harvest commerce deal by December 2021. In a joint assertion issued by India and Australia on Monday, each Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison “re-committed to concluding an Interim CECA (Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement) at the earliest,” and a full fledged settlement by the top of the yr. India has been pursuing early harvest agreements in FTA talks as a solution to handle straightforward points in commerce first, so business can begin benefiting from decrease tariffs rapidly.

    “Certain departments including the department of revenue are concerned (about lowering duties). That is being sorted out,” mentioned an official requesting anonymity. The official mentioned that any settlement would probably require a leisure in tariffs on coal which accounted for 77.5 per cent of imports from Australia within the first 10 months of the fiscal.

    “I don’t foresee coal becoming an issue because it has to be a part of the agreement otherwise they cannot meet WTO requirement of covering substantially all the trade (between two countries),” the official mentioned. WTO guidelines require that any commerce settlement remove commerce limitations together with duties on considerably all of the commerce between two nations.

    India largely imports coking coal from Australia which attracts a Customs responsibility of two.5 per cent. Other key imports from Australia embody gold, copper ore and inorganic and natural chemical substances and LNG. Fruits and greens are additionally an vital a part of imports from Australia accounting for about 1.6 per cent of imports within the first 10 months of the fiscal. India will probably search to exclude agricultural merchandise from any commerce settlement with Australia. Australia’s Trade Minister Dan Tehan had mentioned in February that Australia understood that dairy, wheat and beef had been delicate points for India.

    India’s key exports to Australia embody petroleum merchandise, pharmaceutical merchandise and gems and jewelry. India is searching for decrease tariffs for exports from labour-intensive sectors together with textiles and leather-based merchandise as certainly one of its key priorities in ongoing negotiations. India can also be seeking to safe a extra relaxed visa regime for Indian college students and professionals seeking to research or work in Australia.

    Another official who didn’t want to be quoted mentioned India was cautious of coming into right into a deal too rapidly, holding in thoughts points which have arisen from previous commerce offers. “Getting the best deal is our top priority, so that we avoid the unfavourable FTAs we signed in the past. FTAs are going to last for a long period and it’s in fact good that absolute due diligence is being done,” the official mentioned.

    India has sought to evaluation FTAs signed with South Korea, Japan and the ASEAN group of countries which have resulted in rising commerce deficits with these buying and selling companions.