Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull was on an official visit to India from 9th-12th April, 2017. This was Turnbull’s first visit to India after he assumed office in September 2015.
India, Australia Ink 6 Pacts; To Boost Counter-Terror
On April 10, 2017, India and Australia inked six pacts after comprehensive talks between PM Narendra Modi and visiting Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed a range of bilateral, regional and international issues.
List of MoUs signed between India and Australia:
- MoU on Cooperation in Counter-Terrorism and Organised crime
- MoU on Cooperation in Sports
- MoU for Promotion and Development of Cooperation in Civil Aviation Security
- MoU on Cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine
- MoU on Cooperation in the field of Environment, Climate and Wildlife
Implementation arrangement on Cooperation in Earth Observation and Satellite Navigation
Out of the above MoUs, the one on counter-terrorism signed between Home Ministries of both countries holds special significance, owing to the recent developments in Asia-Pacific Region.
- India and Australia have agreed to hold a bilateral maritime exercise named ‘AUSINDEX’ in the Bay of Bengal in 2018. Besides, holding joint exercise of Special Forces in later half of 2017 has also been agreed upon.
- Turnbull has assured Indian Government that Australia is looking forward to exporting Uranium to India ‘as soon as possible’.
Modi, Turnbull Inaugurate Nanobiotechnology Research Centre
On April 10, 2017, Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull and Indian PM Narendra Modi, jointly inaugurated TERI-Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre (TDNBC) through a video conference.
About TERI-Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre:
- TDNBC is located in Gurugram, Haryana and is a joint venture between The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi and Deakin University, Australia.
- The centre offers joint Ph.D. programme by TDNBC, India, and Deakin University (DU), Australia, wherein selected students are jointly supervised by TDNBC and DU, and are awarded a degree from DU.
- About 100 researchers will work together at the centre to resolve problems in developing bio fuels and advance detection of crop diseases.
India-Australia launch Sports Partnership in Mumbai
On April 12, 2017, Vijay Goel – Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull launched Sports Partnership in Mumbai with an aim to increase cooperation in sports among India and Australia. Legendary Cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar was also present at the occasion.
Under this partnership, India and Australia will cooperate in following four areas:
- Training and Development of Athletes and Coaches
- Sport Science
- Increasing grassroots participation
- Sport Governance and Integrity
Moreover, Two Australian Universities – Victoria University and University of Canberra will assist India to setup a National Sports University, similar to the Australian Institute of Sport.
Australia :
- Capital: Canberra
- Currency: Australian dollar
