Prime Minister of India and Australia hold 2nd India Australia Virtual Summit

What is the News?

Minister of India and held the 2nd India-Australia Virtual Summit.

What are the key highlights from the 2nd India-Australia Virtual Summit?

Return of Artefacts to India: Australia returned 29 ancient artefacts to India. The artefacts include 12th century Chola bronzes, 11th-12th century Jain sculptures from Rajasthan, 12th-13th century sandstone Goddess Mahisasuramardini from Gujarat, 18th-19th century paintings and early gelatin silver photographs.  

Annual Summits: The two countries decided to hold annual summits at the level of the Heads of Government under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Minerals and Investments: An MoU was signed on cooperation in the critical mining sector between Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) and Australia’s Critical Mineral Facilitation Office.

Note: KABIL was set up in 2019 with the participation of three Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to ensure a consistent supply of critical and strategic minerals to the Indian domestic market. 

Defence and Security: Both countries announced the setting up of the General Bipin Rawat young defence officers exchange program, which would enable younger officers from both sides to familiarize themselves with each other’s countries and will greatly increase the service to service contacts.

Digital Payment Systems: India has proposed the early integration of digital payment systems of both countries. While India has the Unified Payments Interface, Australia has created the New Payments Platform. India has pointed out that integration would greatly help the seven lakh Indian community members in Australia. It would also enable India to become a popular education and tourism destination for Australia.

Source: The post is based on an article “Prime Minister of India and Australia hold 2nd India Australia Virtual Summit” published in the PIB on 21st March 2022