New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a virtual summit with Australian counterpart Scott Morrison lauded the ever-growing bond between the two countries, while Morrison shared his concern about “Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine”.
Modi said the last virtual summit between the two countries had formalised “our relationship into a comprehensive strategic partnership”.
“I am happy that today we are establishing the mechanism of an annual summit between the two nations,” he said.
The Prime Minister added: “This summit will prepare a structural system for regular review of our relations. In the past few years, our relations have seen remarkable growth. Trade and investment, defence and security, education and innovation, science and technology – we have closely cooperated in all these sectors. Our collaboration reflects our commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.”
In his opening remarks, Morrison said Russia needed to be held accountable for the loss of lives in Ukraine following its “terrible” invasion of that country.
Morrison said the recent meeting of Quad countries – US, India, Australia and Japan – on Ukraine provided an opportunity to discuss the “implications and consequences” of the developments for the Indo-Pacific region and “the coercion and the issues that we face here”.
“We are obviously distressed at the terrible situation in Europe though our focus is very much on the Indo-Pacific,” Morrison said.
At the virtual summit, Modi thanked Morrison for returning Indian antiquities – “hundreds of years old artefacts and photos that were illegally taken out of Rajasthan, West Bengal, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and other states”. “On behalf of all Indians, I thank you,” the PM said.
Earlier in the day, Modi had inspected the 29 antiquities repatriated to India by Australia. The antiquities ranged in six broad categories under themes like Shiva and his disciples, worshipping Shakti, Lord Vishnu and his forms, Jain tradition, portraits and other decorative objects.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the sculptures and paintings were of different materials — sandstone, marble, bronze, brass, paper etc.
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