Ahmedabad, 18 November 2014

PM presents to Australian PM, a commemorative photo collage dedicated to Mr. John Lang, an Australian with a remarkable Indian connection

The Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi today presented to Mr. Tony Abbott, a commemorative Photo Collage dedicated to the memory of Mr. John Lang, an Australian with a remarkable Indian connection. The collage was presented at the beginning of the bilateral talks between the two leaders at the Australian Parliament in Canberra.

Mr. John Lang had intervened on behalf of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, writing a memorandum dated June 08, 1854, to Governor General Lord Dalhousie on the Doctrine of Lapse. Interestingly, Rani Lakshmibai originally hailed from Varanasi, the constituency now represented in the Lok Sabha by the Prime Minister. A photograph and the related documents of the Memorandum were a part of this unique gift which Shri Narendra Modi presented to Mr. Tony Abbott.

The collage contains the following other significant photographs:

1. Photo of Marriage Certificate of John Lang with Margaret Wetter, Christ Church of Mussoorie, India, 11 May 1861

2. Photo of John Lang`s final resting place, Camel`s Back Road Cemetery, Mussoorie, India

3. Photo of a Commemorative Plaque in memory of John Lang, Christ Church of Mussoorie, India

Framework for Security Cooperation between India and Australia

The Prime Minister of India and the Prime Minister of Australia reaffirm that the Strategic Partnership between India and Australia is based on converging political, economic and strategic interests; a shared desire to promote regional and global peace, security and prosperity; and a commitment to democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.

They have decided to establish a Framework for Security Cooperation to reflect the deepening and expanding security and defence engagement between India and Australia, and to intensify cooperation and consultation between Australia and India in areas of mutual interest. The Framework will be implemented in accordance with the Action Plan below:

Action Plan

1. Annual Summit and Foreign Policy Exchanges and Coordination

a. Annual meeting of Prime Ministers, including in the margins of multilateral meetings
b. Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue
c. Senior Officials’ Talks led by India’s Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs and the Secretary of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
d. East Asia Talks between External/Foreign Affairs senior officials
e. 1.5 Track Australia-India Dialogue

2. Defence policy planning and coordination

a. Regular Defence Ministers’ Meeting
b. Annual Defence Policy Talks
c. Annual 1.5 Track Defence Strategic Dialogue
d. Service to service engagement including regular high-level visits, annual staff talks, joint training and regular exercises as agreed
e. Regular bilateral maritime exercises
f. Explore defence research and development cooperation, including through visits by Australian and Indian defence material delegations and efforts to foster joint industry links

3. Counter-terrorism and other Transnational Crimes

a. Annual Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and other Transnational Crimes
b. Cooperation in CT training and exchanges between experts on countering improvised explosive devices, bomb incidents and technologies
c. Exchanges on counter-radicalisation
d. Cooperation between police on investigation of transnational crime
e. Cooperation on extradition and mutual legal assistance requests
f. Cooperation between AUSTRAC and Financial Intelligence Unit-India
g. Exchanges on cyber policy and cooperation between CERT India and CERT Australia
h. Cooperation on combating illegal migration

4. Border Protection, Coast Guard, and Customs

a. Annual meetings of the Joint Working Group on Visas, Passports and Consular Matters
b. Exchanges and cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard and Australian border protection authorities
c. Cooperation between Customs authorities, including training

5. Disarmament, Non-proliferation, Civil Nuclear Energy and Maritime Security

a. Annual bilateral dialogue on Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and International Security, including maritime security
b. Australian support for Indian membership of the export control regimes
c. Early operationalization of civil nuclear energy cooperation and Australia’s support for strengthening India’s energy security by supply of uranium for India’s safeguarded nuclear reactors
d. Cooperation between agencies engaged on international search and rescue, including through information exchange and regional dialogue
e. Cooperation on these issues in relevant international fora, including the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum

6. Disaster management and peacekeeping

a. Exchange on approaches to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
b. Collaboration in the East Asia Summit on disaster management
c. Cooperation and exchanges on peacekeeping issues, including between peacekeeping institutions

7. Cooperation in Regional and Multilateral Fora

a. Close cooperation in regional and multilateral fora, including the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus, the Indian Ocean Rim Association, Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, the UN and its specialised agencies, and the G20
b. Support for India’s bid to be a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council

Implementation

Progress under the Action Plan will be reviewed through established institutional arrangements, including the Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue and the Defence Ministers’ Meeting.

Joint Statement during Prime Minister’s visit to Australia (November 16-18, 2014)

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, paid an official visit to Australia from 16-18 November 2014, following the G-20 Summit, as the guestof Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

Prime Minister Modi held wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Abbott, addressed a joint sitting of both houses of the Parliament (the first time an Indian prime minister has done so) and met the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Leader of the Opposition in Canberra. He also visited Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, where he met political leaders, academics, businesspeople and sporting figures and addressed members of the Australian Indian community. He visited research, cultural and historic institutions. A number of agreements were signed and new initiatives launched.

For the first time,Australian and Indian Prime Ministers have made reciprocal visits in the same year, underscoring the growing depth of the Australia-India strategic partnership and building on converging interests, shared values and common democratic institutions.

Prime Minister Abbott and Prime Minister Modi recognised that the partnership has tremendous room for growth and agreed to unlock the vast potential of the economic relationship, especially in priority areas such as resources, education, skills, agriculture, infrastructure, investments, financial services and health.

They directed that anequitable, balanced, mutually beneficial and high quality Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement be brought to an early conclusion to realise the potential of commercial relations. The next round of negotiations will be held in December.The two Prime Ministers hoped for better market access for good and services. Theyexpressed satisfaction at the increase in investment while recognising the tremendous untapped potential in both directions. Indian investment in the resource sector in Australia promises to create jobs and value for the Australian economy just as Australian investment in cold chain storage, energy, infrastructure and other sectors can do for the Indian economy.

Strong business links are critical. Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abbottreconstituted the Australia-India CEO Forum, and will shortly appoint new co-chairs. A delegation of Indian CEOs also visited Australia.Australian Business Week in India will be held in several Indian cities in January 2015. India will hold a Make in India event in Australia in 2015 and organise shows in gems and jewellery, engineering and pharmaceuticals to showcase India’s manufacturing capabilities.

Energy is a central pillar of the economic relationship. Prime Minister Abbott and Prime Minister Modi agreed to expedite approvals for key mining investment projects. They agreed to cooperate on clean coal technologies and welcomed the intention to explore opportunities for partnershipbetween Australian institutionsandthe Indian School of Mines inDhanbad. They agreed to expedite progresstowards early conclusion of the administrative arrangements to implement theCivil Nuclear Agreement signed in September.Australian supply of uranium in coming years will enhance India’s energy security.

Australia and India are committed to working together to combat terrorism and other transnational crimes. Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abbott agreed that the existing Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism would be renamed to cover other transnationalcrimes, including on-going cooperation on illegal migration. Theywitnessed the signing of an Agreement on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons and a Counter-Narcotics MoU.

They noted theconclusion of a new Framework for Security Cooperation to guide closer bilateral collaboration across the security spectrum, including in defence, counter-terrorism, cyber policy, disarmament and non-proliferationand maritime security.The Framework demonstrates the unshakeable resolve of the two countries in combating and defeating terrorism, including the threat posed by foreign fighters joining extremist groups.

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abbottdecided to extend defence cooperation to coverresearch, development and industry engagement. They agreed to hold regular meetings at the level of the Defence Minister, conduct regular maritime exercises and convene regular Navy to Navy, Air Force to Air Force and Army to Army staff talks.

They recalled the time spent together at the Australian War Memorial and agreed to strengthen efforts to commemorate the shared military history, including through the WWI centenary. They welcomed the cooperation between the two national broadcasters, Prasar Bharati and the ABC, to co-produce a film on Gallipoli.

Australia and India are working together more closely to build a safe and prosperous region, including through key regional forums such as the East Asia Summit. Both countries value their engagement with ASEAN, are strongly committed to building up the Indian Ocean Rim Association, and support regional efforts to create stronger humanitarian and disaster relief capabilities, combat malaria and boost regional trade, including through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

People-to-people links are transforming the relationship.Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minster Abbott welcomed the signing of a Social Security Agreement, which will enhance two-way mobility and lower business costs. They welcomed the introduction of measures to facilitate easier travel and witnessed the signing of an MoU on Tourism, which will promote continued strong growth in an industry vital to both countries. India will hold a Tourism Week in Australia in 2015. Negotiations on an Audio-visual Co-production Agreement are progressing well, with the aim of boosting links between the dynamic film industries.

Educational links are deep and strong. The Prime Ministers welcomedcooperation between Australian and Indian universities and in particular joint PhD programmes to encourage research.They announced collaboration on rejuvenatingthe Ganga River. They welcomed two-way exchanges and cooperation in river basin planning under the water partnership and a new program of joint research on agricultural water management.

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abbott agreed the two countries would cooperate in India’s efforts to strengthen its sporting capabilities, including through the private sector and in establishing a world-class Sports University.They welcomedthe signing of an MoU on Arts and Culture, which will create a framework for deeper cultural exchanges. A Festival of India will be held in Australia in 2015 to showcase the dynamism and diversity of contemporary Indian culture.

Prime Minister Modi renewed his invitation to Prime Minister Abbott to visit India again at his convenience. They agreed that high-level visits played a key role in enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Prime Minister’s statement to the media during his visit to Australia (November 18, 2014)

His Excellency Prime Minister Tony Abbott Friends from Media

I thank Prime Minister Abbott, the people and the Federal and the State Governments of Australia for a wonderful visit so far.

Prime Minister Abbott and I have spent the last week together – at the East Asia Summit, the G20 and for this bilateral summit. This reflects the broad framework of our relationship, defined by a growing partnership in the cause of a peaceful and prosperous world, and a strong and broad-based bilateral relationship.

This is a natural partnership, arising from our shared values and interests, and our strategic maritime locations.

India and Australia have a great economic synergy. There are huge opportunities for partnership in every area we can think of – agriculture, agro-processing, resources, energy, finance, infrastructure, education, and science and technology.

The economic climate in India has changed. I believe it will be a lot easier to convert opportunities into concrete outcomes. Prime Minister Abbott and I discussed what we should do to impart real momentum to our economic partnership.

Reconstituting the CEO Forum is an important step. We have agreed to speed up negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. I also asked for easier access for Indian business to the Australian market and quicker investment approvals.

India will hold a ‘Make in India’ show in Australia in 2015. Australia would also be holding Business week in India in January 2015. We also agreed on seeking early closure on the civil nuclear agreement, which will give Australia a chance to participate in one of the most secure and safe nuclear energy programme in the world. Cricket and hockey are natural glue between our people. I know yoga is enormously popular here. We need to connect our people more. I am pleased with the new Cultural Exchange Programme signed today. India would establish a Cultural Centre in Sydney by February 2015. We plan to hold a Festival of India in Australia in 2015 and tourism weeks in Australia.

The Social Security Agreement is a really positive development. It will help in making our business relations stronger, especially in the Services Sector.

I greatly welcome the New Framework for Security Cooperation. Security and defence are important and growing areas of the new India-Australia partnership – for advancing regional peace and stability, and combating terrorism and trans-national crimes.

This morning`s visit with Prime Minister Abbott to the Australian War Memorial reminded us of the need to strive together for a better world. In conclusion, I would like to say that it has been nearly three decades since the last Prime Ministerial visit from India. The fact that we have exchanged visits in two months is a sign of better times to come.

I am deeply honoured by the opportunity to speak to the Parliament and also look forward to spending the evening at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with Prime Minister Abbott.

Thank you once again.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Address to the Joint Session of the Australian Parliament

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Madam Bronwyn Bishop, President of the Senate, Stephen Parry,

Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, my friend, Tony Abbott!

Congratulations to you and the people of Australia on a successful G20!

I am the third Head of Government you are listening to this week!

I don`t know how you are doing this! May be, this is Prime Minister Abbott`s way of shirt fronting you! But, I am truly honoured and humbled by this opportunity to speak to you.

I stand here as one of you – a representative of the people; I come to you with the greetings of 1.25 billion people of a nation, linked to Australia by the great Indian Ocean; by our connected history and our many shared inheritances- and, even more by our deeply interlinked destinies. And, today I have come to unite in spirit, as we were once by geography – spirit that is fed by many stirring stories of human success and sacrifice.

This morning, Prime Minister and I honoured our soldiers, who 100 years ago made the supreme sacrifice together in the battle of Gallipoli. The man who designed this beautiful capital of Canberra, Walter Burley Griffin, lies buried in the old city of Lucknow in India.

More than 150 years ago, an Australian novelist and lawyer John Lang fought the legal battle for a brave Indian freedom fighter, the Queen of Jhansi, Rani Laxmi Bai against the British East India Company in India`s first War of Independence. He also lies buried in the Indian hill town of Mussoorie.

The statue of Gandhi in Canberra is a symbol of our shared values.

We celebrate the legend of Bradman and the class of Tendulkar together.

We are impressed by Australian speed as you are charmed by the Indian spin Until of course Shane Warne came along!

But, above all, we are united by the ideals of democracy.

Today, as I stand in this temple of democracy, I consider nations such as ours to be blessed, because democracy offers the best opportunity for the human spirit to flourish, because we have the freedom to choose, the right to speak and the power to remove – and, for us in politics, with no option but to leave with grace.

Generations of people`s representatives have made Australia one of the great nations of the world today. From the vast stretch of territory to the abundance of resources, Nature has been generous to you. But, it is the people of Australia, who have made Australia what it is today: A beacon of democracy and rule of law; a nation that willingly leads the search of a lost aircraft; one of the most prosperous nations in the world;among the best in human development index; a nation with some of the best cities in the world; some of the most productive farms and mines; some of its best universities and research centres; an advanced technology base; and, a nation with great sporting skills.

Australia evokes images not just of immense beauty, but also of a great quality of life. Today, its cities are alive with richness of this world’s diversity. And, it is home to 450,000 Indians, who are as proud to be part of Australia as they are of their Indian heritage.

Honorable Members,

There was a time when, for many of us, Australia was a distant land on the southern edge of the world.

Today, the world sees Australia to be at the heart of the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean region. This dynamic region holds the key to this world`s future; and Australia is at its cross-currents. And, as Australia has become more engaged in this part of the world, we welcome its growing role in driving this region`s prosperity and shaping its security.

Because we, in India, seek the same future for this world.

We also see Australia as a vital partner in India`s quest for progress and prosperity. There are few countries in the world where we see so much synergy as we do in Australia. India a nation of more than a billion seeking development; Australia a developed country of a few million people and vast resource. Since the turn of this century, India has been the second fastest growing economy in the world. Millions have lifted themselves out of poverty into a new life of possibilities.

Today, we have a government with a clear majority after thirty years. From the remotest village to the biggest cities, there is a new high tide of hope in India; a new energy.

It is the energy of our youth – the 800 million people below the age of 35 – eager for change, willing to work for it – because, now they believe that it is possible. That they can make it happen. It is this force of transformation that we will unleash.

In the six months that we have been in office, we have moved forward, thinking with ambition, acting with speed; seeking growth not just for growth, but to transform the quality of life of every Indian –

I see Australia as a major partner in every area of our national priority.

In providing skills and education to our youth; a roof over every head and electricity in every household; the most affordable healthcare for the most difficult diseases; the next generation of infrastructure that does not take a toll on our environment; Energy that does not cause our glaciers to melt – clean coal and gas, renewable energy or fuel for nuclear power; cities that are smart, sustainable and livable; villages that offer opportunities; agriculture that yields more and farms that are better connected to markets; practices and technology that save water.

We have a new Mission for turning “Made in India” into a global name just as Computer in India is. But, we want to find new pathways to prosperity, not simply travel down the roads of the previous century.

Much of India`s future cities and infrastructure is yet to be built and so we have a unique opportunity to make our choices now. And, in every sector – agriculture, food processing, mining, infrastructure, manufacturing, finance and technology, energy; from providing funds and resources to technology and expertise; working as partners and investers -Australia has immense opportunities to participate in India`s progress.

In turn, India will be the answer to your search for new economic opportunities and your desire to diversify your global economic engagement; your source for world class skills at home or for a manufacturing location abroad.

India’s development, demography and demandprovide a unique long term opportunity for Australia – and all in the familiar framework of democracy. There is no other example of this nature in the world.

Indian investors, too, are coming here in growing numbers and commitments.

Honourable Members,

This is an age rich in promise, but also filled with challenges.

We can only pursue our dreams, if we have the confidence that our cities are safe, our nations are secure, our region is stable and our world is peaceful.

This vast region has many unsettled questions and new challenges. Historical differences persist despite growing inter-dependence. The oceans are our lifelines. But, we worry about its access and security in our part of the world more than ever before.

Our region has seen huge progress on the foundation of peace and stability.

But, we cannot take this for granted. Preserving it will be the most important task in the region. India and Australia can play their part in it – by expanding our security cooperation and deepening our international partnerships in the region.

But, we do not have to rely on borrowed architecture of the past. Nor do we have the luxury to choose who we work with and who we don`t. But, what we do need is to work together and with others to create environment and culture that promotes the currency of co-existence and cooperation; in which all nations, small and big, abide by international law and norms, even when they have bitter disputes.

We should collaborate more on maintaining maritime security. We should work together on the seas and collaborate in international forums. And, we should work for a universal respect for international law and global norms.

We must also support the process of economic integration across the region and an open global trading system that remains integrated. We must guard against regional trade initiatives becoming instruments of political competition. However, economic integration by itself won’t be a strong basis for peace and stability, without strong regional institutions.

India and Australia are members of several institutions that are critical for this region and the world. We should coordinate more closely in East Asia Summit, G20 and the Indian Ocean Region Association.

Honorable Members,

In our inter-connected world, our shared challenges extend beyond our region. Terrorism has become a major threat for us all. In India, we have seen its face closely for three decades. And, we see it with the clarity that comes with it.

Terrorism is changing in character and expanding in its reach. Internet has made recruitment and call to violence self-generated. It also feeds off money laundering, drug trafficking and arms smuggling.

We have to deepen our bilateral security cooperation. But, we need a comprehensive global strategy for a global problem. It will require closer security cooperation; but, even more,a policy of no distinction between terrorist groups or discrimination between nations; a resolve to isolate those who harbour terrorists, willingness to empower states that will fight them; a social movement against extremism in countries where it is most prevalent; and, every effort to delink religion and terrorism.

As I look to the future, we would also need to ensure that outer Space and cyber space remain instruments of connectivity and prosperity, not new frontiers of conflict.

Responding to the region`s disasters, combating proliferation, acting against piracy, we can work together on a full range of security challenges.

Honorable Members,

Since my Government entered office, no region has seen more intense engagement on India`s part than Asia Pacific region – because we understand how deeply our future is linked to this region. India and Australia can play cricket hard with each other – and I suspect we will next month. But we see Australia as one of our foremost partners in the region.

I was pleased to host Prime Minister Tony Abbott as my first State Guest in September.

It has taken a Prime Minister of India 28 years to come to Australia. It should never have been so. And, this will change.

Australia will not be at the periphery of our vision, but at the centre of our thought. So, we stand together at a moment of enormous opportunity and great responsibility. I see a great future of partnership between India and Australia and, a shared commitment to realize it.

Prime Minister Abbott started us on this new journey in September. I have come here to set our two countries more firmly on that course. With your help, and with the help of the great people of India and Australia.

I wish you the best for hosting a great and successful World Cup Cricket early next year.

Thank you all.

Narendra Modi speaking at reception hosted by Prime Minister of Australia

Narendra Modi clicks selfie with ‘friend’ Tony Abbott

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is known for clicking selfies, today posted a selfie with his “friend” and Australian counterpart Tony Abbott.

The selfie signed by the two leaders was taken at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) where Abbott hosted a rare reception for Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Australia in 28 years.

“With my friend @TonyAbbottMHR at the MCG,” he wrote in the caption.

“Thank you @TonyAbbottMHR for the wonderful dinner at @MCG. Enjoyed being at this iconic ground,” he said.

Cricket diplomacy at its best during Modi-Abbott meet at MCG

Cricket diplomacy was in abundance at a rare reception given to Narendra Modi at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground with the Prime Minister saying a “new journey” in India-Australia relationship has begun.

Addressing the select gathering at the reception hosted by Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and attended by cricket greats like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Allan Border and Dean Jones among others, Modi heaped effusive praise on Australia’s sporting culture and thanked his Australian counterpart his “truly generous hospitality”.

Modi described his speech at the 161-year-old MCG ground “close to scoring a century here especially against McGrath and Brett Lee” and said, “This memory will stay with me forever.”

“Many Indians wake up early on a cold December morning to watch on TV a Boxing Day Test at this magnificent stadium! I know that India has not done particularly well in this ground! But, we won the 1985 Champions Trophy here. And, Gavaskar and Kapil Dev are here!

“As is Laxman, who especially loved to bat against Australia. To speak to you at this historic ground comes close to scoring a century here especially against McGrath and Brett Lee. I met him yesterday. The best I managed was to head the Gujarat Cricket Association,” he said.

Talking about the MCG, Modi said it would be a deserving venue for the Cricket World Cup finals 2015 and hope that India and Australia will play that match.

“No business is serious enough to keep an Australian and an Indian from discussing this great game,” Modi said.

Before the dinner by Abbott, Modi presented “Skippers” memento carrying replica of Mahatma Gandhi’s charkha with three cricket balls signed by him and World Cup winning Indian captains Kapil Dev and M S Dhoni.

He said, “My memorable visit to Australia ends tonight, but a new journey of our relationship has begun.”

The Prime Minister also noted that people asked him that isn’t it too soon for him to visit Australia after Abbott’s recent trip to India “I said I can’t say no to my friend Tony”.

Modi also told Abbott for travelling all the way to Melbourne to attend the reception.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is like a ‘brother’, says Australian PM Tony Abbott

“Narendra and I.” Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said this at a joint press conference with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi after summit talks in Canberra while stressing how the two countries were expanding their cooperation in various areas.

The personal warmth Abbott shared with Modi was reflected yet again at a reception at the iconic 161-year-old Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) where he said Modi is like a “brother.”

“Narendra and I,” said Abbott on couple of occasions while referring to the determination of the two leaders to work together to help strengthening of relations.

Abbott had urged world leaders to speak from the heart rather than a script at the summit of the Group of 20 industrialised and major emerging economies at Brisbane.

“If we could use first names, that would be good as well because, whatever disagreements we might have, it helps if there can at least be personal warmth amongst us,” he said.

When Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Australia in 28 years after Rajiv Gandhi in 1986, made his entry at the G20 Summit venue, he gave Abbott a hearty hug.

Before Modi began his address to lawmakers today, Abbott said he was determined to correct the situation where no Indian Prime Minister had addressed the Australian parliament.

He said leaders of several countries have addressed the Parliament but no Indian leader has done it.

“I am personally delighted that this has been been corrected,” Abbott said.

The two leaders had several meetings – both formally and informally – during the East Asia Summit in Myanmar and at the G20 Summit at Brisbane.

“My memorable visit to Australia ends today. A new relationship has begun,” Modi said while speaking at the MCG.

At the end of his four-city Australia tour, Modi gifted a memento to Australia signed by World Cup winning Indian captains and himself.