Media Release
FA75 - 10 June 2005
Australia and India: Not Just Cricket
The bilateral relationship between Australia and India is set to become increasingly important as our economic, strategic and people-to-people links continue to grow.
My visit to New Delhi and Chennai from 6 to 9 June focussed on the enormous potential of the relationship, which now is recognised in both countries.
In talks with Indian Minister for External Affairs, Mr Natwar Singh, we discussed how India's Look East Policy means that our security and economic interests in East Asia are converging. As India becomes integrated into the East Asian architecture, we will have much more to do with one another. India is already our sixth largest export market and a growing source of overseas investment into Australia. We are also a key provider of education services to India.
In Delhi I met the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and the Ministers for Defence and the Environment as well as the Deputy Chair of the Nation Planning Commission which has a leading role in economic policy. I also addressed the Confederation of Indian Industry on the bilateral relationship and Australia's view of India's emergence as a major power.
Australia has a keen interest in India's energy and resources sector because we can help to fuel India's strong economic growth and meet its energy demands. My visit coincided with the meeting of a Joint Working Group on Energy and Minerals, which had participants from many of Australia's largest mining companies, emphasizing the growing interest of this sector in India.
Education is another crucial sector, with more than 20,000 Indian students currently studying in Australia. Both countries are keen to foster an even greater trade in education services.
During my visit, I also reiterated Australia's continuing support for India's candidature for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, along with others. I also exchanged views on changes in the international strategic environment, regional developments and international environmental relations.
In Chennai, capital of India's southern Tamil Nadu State, I met the Chief Minister, senior business and government representatives and addressed the Indo-Australia Chamber of Commerce. My visit provided an opportunity to support Australian business interests in the south of India, where economic growth is particularly strong.
I also visited the MRF Pace Academy, where senior Australian cricketers have been involved in the training of India's promising talent. Cricket is a common bond between out two countries that helps to foster the people-to-people links that are vital in a meaningful bilateral relationship. Seizing on that link, the Indian Foreign Minister and I have announced that the Australian and Indian Governments will support an exhibition of memorabilia of Don Bradman, to be toured to India's major cities.
Media inquiries : Ministerial 02 6277 7500, DFAT Media Liaison 02 6261 1555