On June 5, 2020, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held India-Australia Virtual Summit with Prime Minister Mr. Scott Morrison. Notably, Scott Morrison’s visit to India had been finalized, but the visit could not take place. Thus, Morrison agreed to hold a “Virtual Summitโ.ย This is the first time that Prime Minister Modi held a “Bilateral Virtual Summitโ; signifying the strengthening of ties with Australia and its upward trajectory
On 6th April 2020, the two Prime Ministers had a telephonic conversation, discussing the ongoing COVID-19 including facilitation and support for citizens stranded in each otherโs country. Also, stating an Indian Diaspora which contributed significantly to the linkages between the two countries.
Notably, the two countries consider stepping up investments and trade with each other. As two democratic nations, India and Australia have developed an understanding of each otherโs perspectives on regional and global issues. Also,ย Australia not only supports Indiaโs global initiatives such as ISA, CDRI, and Indo-Pacific Oceansโ Initiative (IPOI) but also Indiaโs membership of an expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Lately, Australia also supported membership for Australia Group, and Wassenaar Arrangement and favored Indiaโs membership of NSG. The Virtual Summit became an opportunity to review the broad framework of the relationship subject to growing ties between India and Australia; to discuss their respective responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
