Photo: MEA, Twitter
By SAT News Desk
MELBOURNE, 4 June 2020: The Virtual Summit between the Indian PM Mr. Narendra Modi and the Australian PM Mr. Scott Morrison held today committed to elevating the India-Australia relationship to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’(CSP).
A media statement from the Australian PM’s office says, “The CSP takes our bilateral relationship to a new level of cooperation, based on mutual understanding, trust, common interests and the shared values of democracy and the rule of law.
It reflects Australia and India’s strong commitment to working together at a time of unprecedented global challenges, such as COVID-19.
Our Partnership is in line with India’s increasing engagement in the Indo-Pacific region through her Indo-Pacific vision and Australia’s Indo-Pacific approach and its Pacific Step-Up for the South Pacific.
Our Foreign and Defence Ministers will meet in a ‘2+2’ format at least every two years to discuss strategic issues and take forward our Partnership.
By further strengthening our partnership, we also contribute to a more secure, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
CLICK HERE FOR — CSP joint statement
The following is the list of documents announced and signed during the summit says a media release of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs posted on Twitter:
– Joint Statement on a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Republic of India and Australia (Announced)
– Joint Declaration on a Shared Vision for Maritime Cooperation in the Indo- Pacific. (Announced)
– Framework Arrangement on Cyber and Cyber-Enabled Critical Technology Cooperation.(signed)
– MOU on cooperation in the field of mining and processing of Critical and Strategic minerals.(signed)
– An arrangement concerning Mutual Logistics Support (MLSA).(signed)
– Implementing Arrangement concerning cooperation in Defence Science and Technology to the MoU on Defence
Cooperation.(signed)
– Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in the field of Public Administration and Governance Reforms. (signed)
– Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Vocational Education and Training.(signed)
– Memorandum of Understanding on Water Resources Management. (signed)
SEE BELOW the video of the VIRTUAL SUMMIT
Meanwhile, a media release from the Mr.Karen Andrews, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology says Research collaboration between Australia and India has been given a nearly $20 million boost with funding for new projects to advance pandemic research and reduce plastics waste. The commitment came following today’s virtual summit between the Prime Ministers of Australia and India.
$15 million will go to extending the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund for another four years, while an additional $4.5 million will support collaborative work led by the CSIRO to reduce plastic wastes.
Minister for Industry, Science, and Technology Karen Andrews welcomed the commitment following today’s virtual summit between the Indian and Australian Prime Ministers.
“Science and technology and the innovations that result have never been more important for our wellbeing and prosperity,” Minister Andrews said.
“India is a natural strategic partner for Australia, and strengthening that relationship through a shared commitment to science and technology will only serve to benefit both our nations.”
Minister Andrews also announced the opening of a special grants round under the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund for joint projects responding to the COVID- 19 pandemic.
“These grants will bring together leading research institutions and industry in both Australia and India who are working on solutions such as vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics,” Minister Andrews said.
Applications for Round 13 of the AISRF close on 2 July 2020.
Individual grants of $300,000–$600,000 will be available for Australian research organizations to undertake collaborative research projects over 12-18 months. The Indian Government will contribute a comparable amount to support the Indian partners on a matching effort basis.
For more details visit business.gov.au/aisrf.
