Media Release

FA107 - 28 August 2003

Australia And India Sign Counter-Terrorism MOU

India’s Minister of External Affairs and I today sign an agreement to join forces in the battle against regional and global terrorism. 

The Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in Combating International Terrorism will forge closer cooperation between our respective security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies.  This is the eighth counter-terrorism arrangement the Australian Government has signed, as we work to build broad regional co-operation in the vital battle against terrorism.

Terrorism was the focus of the third round of the Australia-India Foreign Ministers’Framework Dialogue in Adelaide today. It came just days after the horrific terrorist bombings in Mumbai which claimed more than 40 lives and left many seriously injured.

I passed on Australia’s deep sympathy to External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha.  This terrible event underscores the critical need for regional cooperation to fight terrorism.

Mr Sinha and I also discussed the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and related materials, developments in North Korea, Iraq, South and South-East Asia, the Pacific,  Solomon Islands, and the Commonwealth including, Zimbabwe.

Australia and India’s strategic convergence is matched by an expanding commercial partnership.  With trade at record levels and investment growing steadily in both directions, I emphasised Australia’s capacity and willingness to support India’s economic expansion.

Education is just one area where we are already making a difference.  Australia is the third most popular destination for Indians seeking a quality education overseas, after the United States and Britain.

This is Mr Sinha’s first visit to Australia as Minister of External Affairs.  He will be in Australia from the 27 until 30 August, visiting Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney. His program includes meetings with the Prime Minister, the Treasurer, the Minister for Communications and Information Technology, and the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs.

Media enquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) (02) 6277 7500 - Julie McDonald (Departmental) (02) 6261 1555