PMs agree to India-Australia CoE for Critical and Emerging Technology Policy in Bengaluru
Prime Minister Scott Morrison was pleased with the launch of the Australia India Infrastructure Forum and Canberra’s intention to open a new Consulate-General in Bengaluru.
He also welcomed the announcement of new initiatives to drive two-way trade and innovation, including cooperation on standards, future skills and a new Australia India Innovation Network.
Morrison applauded these developments following the 2nd India-Australia Virtual Summit on 21 March 2022 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The PMs reaffirmed their commitment to the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), and welcomed the substantial progress in deepening political, economic, security, cyber, technology and defence cooperation.
The leaders underscored that the bilateral relationship has prospered on the strong foundations of trust, understanding, common interests and the shared values of democracy and the rule of law.
Morrison and Modi committed to holding Annual Summits to drive closer cooperation, said the Prime Minister’s Office in New Delhi.
They welcomed the considerable progress made in the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations. They expressed satisfaction on the large degree of convergence on many of the elements which are close to finalisation.
The leaders re-committed to concluding an Interim CECA at the earliest and work towards an ambitious, full CECA by the end of the year to enhance trade and investment ties and deepen the CSP.
They also welcomed the renewal of the India-Australia Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation.
The leaders emphasised the importance of an early resolution of the issue of taxation of offshore income of Indian firms under the India Australia Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
They reiterated their commitment to a free, fair, inclusive and rules-based trade environment. They reaffirmed their commitment to uphold and strengthen the rules based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, and looked forward to MC12 which has been agreed to be held in June. They noted the importance of working together to build, strengthen and diversify supply chains and avoid supply chain disruptions.
They recognised the significant breadth of science and technology cooperation between the two countries. They welcomed the extension of the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) – a pillar of collaboration on science, technology and research – and the commitment to build on the successful 2021 India Australia Circular Economy Hackathon.
They underscored their commitment to encouraging nationally appropriate actions to reduce emissions to address climate change, energy security and job creation, and continuing international collaboration, including through the Quad, the G20, the UNFCCC and International Solar Alliance.
They noted the contribution of sustainable consumption and production, and resource-efficient, circular economies towards combating climate change. In this context, Leaders noted the importance of mindful consumption, more sustainable lifestyles and reducing waste. Prime Minister Modi reiterated the call for a global mass movement for sustainable lifestyles that promote mindful consumption and reduce waste.
The leaders welcomed the fourth India-Australia Energy Dialogue held on 15 February 2022, supporting wider energy and resources collaboration.
They welcomed the Letter of Intent between India and Australia on New and Renewable Energy Technology, which aims at driving down the cost of low and zero emissions technologies to be cost competitive with higher emitting alternatives, and committed to intensify cooperation on clean technologies, including through research and development for the required breakthroughs and through forums like Mission Innovation.
They also welcomed further multilateral energy cooperation ahead of the 2022 International Energy Agency (IEA) Ministerial meeting, including Australia’s funding contribution of US$2 million to the IEA Clean Energy Transitions Programme to support enhanced IEA India activities and to progress a pathway to IEA membership for India.
The leaders looked forward to India’s participation in the Sydney Energy Forum on clean energy supply chains in the Indo-Pacific to be held in July 2022.
They expressed satisfaction on the progress made in taking the Implementation Plan forward by the India-Australia Joint Working Group, including technical exchanges between research and scientific organisations, and a bilateral business and investment roundtable.
They welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between India’s Khanij Bidesh Ltd (KABIL) and Australia’s Critical Minerals Facilitation Office for joint cooperation on critical minerals projects.
The leaders welcomed the inaugural India-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Cyber Framework Dialogue held on 12 February 2022. They welcomed cooperation on cyber governance, cyber security, capacity building, cybercrime, digital economy, and critical and emerging technologies.
They emphasised that technology should be designed, developed, governed and used consistent with our shared democratic values and respect for human rights.
They reaffirmed their commitment to an open, secure, free, accessible, stable, peaceful and interoperable cyberspace and technologies that adhere to international law.
They recognised the importance of close cooperation on critical and emerging technology, and on establishing diverse and trusted technology supply chains.
They welcomed the agreement to establish the India-Australia Centre of Excellence for Critical and Emerging Technology Policy in Bengaluru.
Morrison and Modi underlined the importance of India and Australia’s space engagement including Australia’s ongoing support of India’s Gaganyaan Space Program.
The leaders encouraged expansion of bilateral space cooperation arising from India’s space sector reforms.
Prime Minister Morrison was pleased to announce a dedicated India stream of the Australian Space Agency’s International Space Investment initiative. fiinews.com
