Australian envoy says ties with India at historic high
Australia’s new High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, expressed his belief that bilateral relations between the two countries are currently at an all-time high. Green highlighted the strategic alignment between Australia and India in the Indo-Pacific, the strong economic ties between the two nations, and the significant Indian population in Australia as key drivers for the flourishing relationship.
In an interview, Green emphasized the importance of resolving the border conflict between India and China. He expressed Australia’s support for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and adherence to the law. Green acknowledged the longstanding nature of the dispute and emphasized the need to minimize the potential for conflict.
The High Commissioner also discussed the focus on enhancing defense cooperation, particularly in the maritime domain. He highlighted the shared interest in the Northeast Indian Ocean and the potential for utilizing each other’s geography to benefit both nations. Green expressed his personal ambition to achieve interchangeability between the defense forces of Australia and India, enabling seamless cooperation and joint operations.
Economic cooperation was another key aspect of the interview. Green reiterated Australia’s commitment to providing Indian government and businesses with access to critical minerals. He acknowledged the competition from other countries but expressed a desire for Indian firms to act quickly in securing access to Australian critical minerals. Green also praised the current utilization of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECTA) between Australia and India, calling for an early conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.
Throughout the interview, Green emphasized the positive trajectory of the bilateral relationship between Australia and India. He recognized the ability of both countries to engage in sensitive discussions while maintaining a strong and vibrant relationship. Green expressed optimism about the future of the partnership and the possibilities for further collaboration.
In conclusion, the Australian High Commissioner’s remarks reflect the current positive state of bilateral relations between Australia and India. With a focus on strategic alignment, economic cooperation, and defense ties, the two nations are poised to deepen their partnership further. The future holds promising prospects for increased collaboration and mutual benefit.
