Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will sign a number of agreements with his Indian colleague in three areas, including defence, but he has declined to discuss the military connections between the Asian country and Russia in light of the invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking in New Delhi on the second day of his visit, Albanese said he anticipates signing agreements with Narendra Modi today that will address national security, the economy, and cultural ties. He referred to these as the “three themes” of his diplomatic visit.
But, Albanese borrowed a page from some of the Australian cricketers he watched yesterday and played a straight bat when asked about India’s defence ties with Russia.
According to Albanese, India is a sovereign country that can develop its relations with other countries as it sees proper.
“What matters is how we interact with our neighbours as a sovereign nation. India too has friendship with Australia.
“Our connection is becoming more significant; India is a significant democracy.
“India defends democracy. And I consider the partnership to be really constructive.
Albanese visited INS Vikrant, the first aircraft carrier made in India, on Thursday. INS Vikrant is based on a Russian design, and it is equipped with three Russian fighters.
Yet Albanese chose to focus on Australia’s defence ties with the second-most populous country in the world rather than drawing attention to the connections between Russia and India.
In addition to our links through events like the Malabar exercises, which will happen later this year, we also have an increasingly significant partnership, he said.
“As part of the announcements, we’ve also had Australian defence professionals participate here in India, as well as trade the other way around.”
The Malabar naval exercises, which involve participants from India and the other two Quad members, the US and Japan, will be held in Australia for the first time this year, according to an announcement made by Albanese during his visit to the Vikrant on Thursday.
He added that India would participate in this year’s Talisman Sabre military drills, which are conducted twice a year.
Albanese mentioned expanding connections between Australia and India in the field of renewable energy as one of the agreements not pertaining to defence.
“In economic areas, we’ll also have agreements, particularly in clean energy; we think there are very significant prospects in solar,” he said.
“I recently spoke with a significant Indian business that is considering investing billions of dollars in Australia, including solar panel production.
I want a future made in Australia, something we’ve been discussing and something we want to promote through the national rebuilding fund.
