By Neeraj Nanda
NEW DELHI/MELBOURNE, 10 September 2021: Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne has emphasized the role of Quad, in facing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific. Payne was speaking at the Third Indo-Pacific Oration organized by the Observer Research Organisation (ORG) in New Delhi today. She is in India with Defence Minister Peter Dutton for the 2+2 talks with their Indian counterparts.
Payne said in the Indo-Pacific region Quad has been performing its role effectively including the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chains, and environmental issues.
About international students, the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs said, Indian overseas students, will be back in Australia as soon as possible.
The Minister disclosed an interim trade deal between the two countries was possible soon.
In her oration, the Minister touched on the issues of China, the Indian Diaspora in Australia, CSIRO’s knowledge partnership, and misinformation on social media among others.
Sunjoy Joshi, Chairman of the ORF welcomed the Minister, and the interactive session was conducted by Prof. Harsh V. Pant, Director, Studies, and Head of Strategic Studies Programme.