External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra on Wednesday, expressing appreciation for the expanding India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During their discussion, Jaishankar conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted the deepening collaboration between the two nations.
“Delighted to call on PM Anthony Albanese in Canberra today. Value his guidance for deepening India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
Albanese reciprocated the sentiment, highlighting the importance of India’s relationship with Australia. “Our growing relationship with India matters to Australia. Great to meet with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar today,” Albanese said on X.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar engaged with members of the Australia-India Parliamentary Friendship Group, expressing appreciation for their commitment to strengthening political, economic, and cultural ties. He underscored the importance of strengthening people-to-people connections between the two countries.
In another key meeting, Jaishankar met with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters. They discussed bilateral cooperation in education, technology, agriculture, and people-to-people exchanges, alongside broader Indo-Pacific and global issues.
Jaishankar’s visit to Australia also included talks with his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong. The two leaders addressed “Raisina Down Under,” the Australian counterpart to India’s Raisina Dialogue, held on November 5-6.
As part of the visit, Jaishankar inaugurated a new Indian consulate in Brisbane, which he described as a “milestone” in the strengthening relationship between India and Australia. During the inauguration, he praised the Indian diaspora in Australia, describing them as a “living bridge” and acknowledging their contributions across sectors like academia, technology, business, and healthcare.
“A million-strong Indian diaspora makes significant contributions to Australia’s multicultural society and earns respect for their achievements,” Jaishankar said, emphasizing the positive impact of the Indian community on bilateral relations.
(Inputs from ANI)
