On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India’s independence I want to congratulate the people of India and the Indian community in Australia on this very important milestone.
Australia and India share the values of democracy and the rule of law.
Our defence and strategic cooperation have gone from strength to strength and are now grounded in our cooperation with the United States and Japan through the Quad. Under the Coalition Government we revived the Quad as the key mechanism for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and stepped up our bilateral relationship with conclusion of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Our trade and economic cooperation present great opportunities for both sides. Our shared values have facilitated remarkable growth in our trade. Two-way trade in both goods and services has grown from $13.6 billion in 2007 to $24.3 billion in 2020. Under the Coalition Government we signed the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement which will create enormous trade diversification opportunities for Australian producers and service providers bound for India, valued at up to $14.8 billion each year.
The Australian Indian community plays a vital role in the future of our nation. People born in India are the fastest growing migrant group in Australia. India is now second only to England for the country of origin for migrants born overseas.
I am proud as a long-time supporter of the Australia-India relationship to have a front row seat as our bilateral relationship continues to reach new heights. Australia has an important partner and friend in India.
ENDS
Media Contact: Jodie | 0497 859 979
