annual summits, signing an MoU regarding critical minerals, while the inking of an interim Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) was also a subject of discussion.
In his opening remarks, PM Morrison commented on Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine, speaking of its impact on the Indo-Pacific region. India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla later revealed that the two leaders discussed the escalating conflict in Ukraine and China’s role in the Indo-Pacific region.
For his part, PM Modi commented on the situation in the Ladakh region, noting that Sino-Indian ties would not return to normal unless there is peace and security at their borders. The Indian leader’s remarks focused on an “open and inclusive” Indo-Pacific region, underscoring the need for cooperation between the member states of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, which includes India, Australia, the United States and Japan. The pair recognised the significance of focusing on relations in the Indo-Pacific region, amid escalating conflict in Europe. “Both the leaders also appreciated the increasing strategic convergence between the two countries as fellow democracies with shared values and common interests, which include a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” New Delhi said in a statement.
In the case of the CECA, the two Prime Ministers discussed the inking of the pact “as soon as possible”. Other subjects of discussion included defence and security, education, seeking Australian investment in India’s National Infrastructure Investment Fund (NIIF), as well as the signing of a letter regarding a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.
