SYDNEY (CU)_26 January is a significant date for countries, India and Australia, with the former celebrating its Republic day, while the latter celebrate the birth of modern Australia. For India, this was the day when the country’s constitution came into effect in 1950. For Australia, it was the date on which the first fleet of ships from Britain arrived at Sydney in 1788.
State representatives of the two nations exchanged greetings with each other on Wednesday, with India’s foreign minister S. Jaishankar offered his warmest greetings to his Australian counterpart Marise Payne and the government and people of Australia. “Our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership benefits our people & promotes peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” he said on Twitter.
In response, the Australian Foreign Minister wished India on its Republic Day, adding that Canberra looks forward to continuing work with Delhi on a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region. “Australia & India are comprehensive strategic partners & we share many things—democratic values, a national day & close economic & diaspora links. Happy Republic Day to our Indian friends,” she tweeted.
On this day, Australia marks the arrival of the first fleet of ships led by Governor Arthur Phillip in 1788. It consisted of 11 ships which included two Royal Navy vessels, six convict transports and three store ships. On this national holiday, the Trans-Tasman nation reflects on honouring the country’s past and celebrating Australia’s cultural diversity and rich migrant heritage.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison extended his Republic Day greetings to the Indian diaspora in the country. In a letter addressed to the community, the Prime Minister described it as a wonderful co-incidence that the two countries share this national holiday on 26 January. He went on to say that there is a “deep friendship” between India and Australia and an “easiness, a natural connection” between their cultures. “Australians call it mateship. Indians call it dosti,” PM Morrison added.
