SYDNEY/MELBOURNE, 18 March 2022: A virtual meeting between Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 21 March 2022, will take place under the shadow of the Russian ‘special operations’ (‘invasion’) in Ukraine and India not condemning it. It abstained in international bodies where Russia was condemned for the Army offensive in Ukraine.
The West has imposed sanctions against Russia on this issue, with whom India has years of strategic relations. It has been described as India’s ‘strategic autonomy’ now and earlier called ‘non-alignment’ during the ‘cold war’. In fact, India is a member of the Quad, with Australia, the US, and Japan. The two countries are also negotiating for a free trade agreement.
Al Jazeera reports, ” India and Australia, democracies at two ends of the Indian Ocean, are expected to sign an interim free trade agreement this month, marking a major step towards consummating their economic relationship at a time when both nations are desperate to reduce their dependence on China.”
A media statement from PM Scott Morrison’s office says, ” Prime Minister Modi and I will discuss deepening our trade and investment relationship and harnessing new economic opportunities to support our mutual economic recovery and growth. Central to these endeavours are strengthened cooperation in defence and security, science and technology, and critical minerals and clean energy.
We will also discuss a range of regional and multilateral issues, including the situation in Ukraine and its implications for the Indo-Pacific, and Myanmar. I look forward to reaffirming our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advancing our shared bilateral and regional agenda.”
It also says, ” Australia and India’s strong bilateral relationship is based on mutual understanding and trust, a commitment to democracy, and a shared vision of an open, inclusive, resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
It remains to be seen how the differences over Ukraine will heal, though that looks unlikely. On other issues, PM Morrison says, ” I look forward to reaffirming our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advancing our shared bilateral and regional agenda.”
In a Tweet on 22 March 2022, PM Morrison says, ” Excellent discussion with my good friend Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last night on our partnership, the Indo-Pacific, Myanmar and Ukraine.
We discussed deepening our trade and investment relationship and harnessing new economic opportunities to support our mutual economic recovery and growth.”
* The writer is the Editor of Melbourne-based South Asia Times (SAT) & South Asia analyst.
UPDATED on 22 March 2022.
