Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Prime Minister of India visited Melbourne, Australia, to participate in the Third India–Australia Annual Summit. Both countries adopted a Joint Statement to strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
What is the India–Australia Annual Summit?
- Highest-level bilateral engagement mechanism between India and Australia.
- Held annually to review and expand the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) was established in 2020.
Major Outcomes of the Summit
1. Defence & Maritime Security
- Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation adopted.
- Annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogue established.
- India–Australia Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap launched.
- MoU signed between the Australian Maritime Border Command and the Indian Coast Guard.
2. Trade & Critical Minerals
- Both countries agreed to accelerate negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
- Reaffirmed implementation of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).
- Strengthened partnership on critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt.
3. Climate, Energy & Space
- Administrative Arrangement signed under the India–Australia Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement.
- Enables long-term Australian uranium exports to India under IAEA safeguards.
- Operationalized the Rooftop Solar Academy under the Energy Security Partnership.
- Australia to provide tracking support for Gaganyaan Mission through a tracking station on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
4. Education & People-to-People Ties
- Flinders University received a Letter of Intent to establish a campus in Bengaluru.
- Victoria University received approval to establish a campus in Gurugram.
- Australia announced US$10 million under the Maitri Grants Programme.
- India and Western Australia to establish a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Mining at Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
About the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 2020 |
| Partners | India & Australia |
| Focus Areas | Defence, Trade, Maritime Security, Critical Minerals, Energy, Technology, Education |
