Australia and India – Comprehensive Strategic Partners

Joining the Perth USAsia Centre live from New Delhi, Australia’s High Commissioner to India Hon. Barry O’Farrell spoke to key stakeholders in a 26th August 2020 virtual Ambassador’s Dialogue roundtable.

Mr O’Farrell outlined major developments in India – across public policy and politics, economics and industry, healthcare and COVID-19 management – since Mr O’Farrell’s tenure began not six months ago. Mr O’Farrell also discussed the implications of COVID-19 on India’s regional diplomacy and regional outlook.

On the Australia-India bilateral relationship, the 4th June 2020 Virtual Summit between Prime Ministers Modi and Morrison saw the formal relationship elevate to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership status, with a number of defence and economic agreements also signed. Mr O’Farrell also discussed the growing significance of India in Australia’s network of Indo-Pacific relationships.