In a significant move to foster stronger ties between India and Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with several prominent Australian personalities on the second day of his official visit to the country. The discussions held during these meetings spanned a wide range of fields, including art, sanitation, science, and business.
Among the notable individuals Modi engaged with were Nobel laureate Brian P. Schmidt, vice-chancellor of the Australian National University, Mark Balla, an acclaimed business specialist and sanitation activist, Danielle Mate Sullivan, a respected Aboriginal artist, Sarah Todd, an international chef and restaurateur, Toby Walsh, chief scientist at the Artificial Intelligence Institute of the University of New South Wales, sociologist Salvatore Babones, and renowned singer Guy Theodore Sebastian.
During these encounters, Prime Minister Modi commended the achievements of the individuals present and called upon them to contribute to strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Australia.
Speaking after his meeting with Modi, Schroder, the chief executive of AustralianSuper, expressed his admiration for Modi’s understanding of business matters, deeming it “very encouraging.” Schroder also highlighted AustralianSuper’s positive experiences with investments in India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund. Recognizing India as one of the most preferred major economies for foreign investments, Modi invited AustralianSuper to consider partnering with India for future endeavors.
Gina Rinehart, the executive chairperson of Hancock Prospecting Group, emphasized the immense potential for business collaboration between Australia and India. Rinehart underscored the need for Australia to intensify its efforts in developing relations with India, pointing out that India has successfully attracted investments from approximately 60 countries. Modi, in his meeting with Rinehart, showcased India’s transformative reforms and initiatives, inviting her to explore partnerships in technology, investment, and skill development in the mining and minerals sector.
Mark Balla, renowned as the “toilet warrior” for his outstanding work in the field of sanitation, conversed with Modi about their shared passion for addressing sanitation issues. Modi later took to Twitter to praise Balla’s commendable contributions and his commitment to promoting access to sanitation.
The meeting with Nobel laureate Brian P. Schmidt focused on fostering collaboration between India and Australia in research and science. Schmidt acknowledged India’s remarkable progress in scientific pursuits, citing increased investment in scientists and equipment as a driving force behind India’s ability to achieve world-class scientific outcomes.
In another significant interaction, Modi met with Andrew Forrest, the executive chairman of the Fortescue Metals Group and Fortescue Future Industries. The Indian Prime Minister appreciated Forrest’s company’s plans to collaborate with Indian firms in the field of green hydrogen. Modi emphasized India’s ambitious renewable energy plans and highlighted initiatives such as the “Green Hydrogen Mission.”
Overall, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s engagement with prominent Australian personalities from diverse fields serves as a testament to India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Australia. The meetings highlighted the potential for collaboration in various sectors, including business, science, technology, art, and sustainable energy. As both nations seek to expand their horizons and tap into new opportunities, the exchange of ideas and expertise promises to further deepen the relationship between India and Australia.
