External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Indian diaspora at the University of Queensland on Sunday, emphasizing the remarkable transformation in India-Australia relations. He attributed this progress to four key factors the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Australian government, shifting global dynamics, and the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora.
Reflecting on the evolution of the bilateral partnership, Jaishankar remarked that Australia, once a less prominent partner for India, has now emerged as a crucial ally. “This is my fifth visit to Australia in the last three years. I first came to Australia when I was Foreign Secretary. Yesterday, before I boarded the flight, I launched a book in which they highlighted seven crucial friendships of India, Australia was one of them. And I told the author; that if he had written the book 10 years ago, I am not sure it would have been,” he stated.
“I am saying this because I am trying to stress how much this relationship has in the last decade and why has it changed… There are four reasons. One PM Modi, two Australia, three the world and fourth is all of you. That is the reason why the relationship has come a long way,” the External Affairs Minister added.
Jaishankar noted that the reevaluation of the India-Australia relationship began with a pivotal question posed by Prime Minister Modi in 2014: “Why hasn’t our relationship with Australia developed?” This inquiry prompted a renewed recognition of the untapped potential between the two nations, fueled by shared language, culture, and tradition.
The External Affairs Minister emphasized that this transformation was not a result of passive developments but rather the result of intentional efforts and leadership from both sides. “So when I present to you today a picture of such transformation, this did not happen when the India-Australia vehicle was on autopilot. It happened when people have worked at it; at both ends, there was a realisation of the value of these ties and the great efforts of building it,” he remarked.
Jaishankar is currently on a five-day visit to Australia from November 3 to November 7, during which he will inaugurate the fourth Indian consulate in Australia in Brisbane on November 4. His visit underscores the growing ties and mutual recognition of the value of collaboration between India and Australia.
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