<p>With Donald Trump's tariff coming into effect on India, Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell has come out in support of Delhi, emphasising his country's commitment to 'free and fair trade'. &nbsp;Speaking on Thursday, he said, 'We are a country that believes in free and fair trade. We believe that the best way of ensuring prosperity is to continue free, fair and open trade. We don’t support imposition of tariffs, whether on Australia or India....” He emphasised, “Protectionism is not the way. It is free and fair trade.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The US Tariff of 50% on India came into effect this week, as Delhi-Washington ties hit rock bottom, last seen in 1998 after India's nuclear tests.</p><p>Farrell’s remarks come at a time when Australia and India are working to conclude the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) pact. Last week, Australia sent its top negotiator to New Delhi for a full week of productive discussions. “We had a full week of negotiations last week. We sent our top negotiator to New Delhi. We had a productive week of discussions, I had 2 Zoom calls with Mr Piyush Goyal,” Farrell noted.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-tariff-war-what-will-take-a-hit-what-remains-exempted-1756317568598/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-tariff-war-what-will-take-a-hit-what-remains-exempted-1756317568598/embed</a></p><p><strong>Read More | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-indians-are-so-arrogant-trump-aide-peter-navarro-blames-pm-modi-for-russia-ukraine-war-loses-clam-over-new-delhi-s-oil-purchase-from-russia-1756350881354"><strong>'Not Putin, Modi's war...': Trump aide blames Indian PM for Ukraine war</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>His optimism about the negotiations was palpable. Expressing his 'confidence' that 'goodwill between ourselves and India, plus, current international circumstances where those countries who believe in free and fair trade' will lead to further 'extension of our agreement'. India-Australia already have an Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which was signed in April 2022. It serves as an interim free trade agreement (FTA) to boost economic cooperation, eliminate tariffs on a wide range of goods, and open up services markets. “We can do more. My objective is to increase trade and build strong community relationships. That is certainly the message to Minister Goyal", Australia Trade Minister said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Read More | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-laundromat-for-kremlin-top-us-official-slams-india-accuses-india-of-fuelling-russia-s-war-in-ukraine-1755798988515"><strong>‘Laundromat for Kremlin’: Top US official slams India, accuses India of fuelling Russia’s war in Ukraine</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Beyond trade, Australia is keen to boost investment in India, recognising it as a thriving democracy with improving living standards. “Australia is keen to increase investments in India. Like Australia, India is a thriving democracy. We want to work with countries like India,” Farrell stated. “We see great opportunities in India. Thanks to policies of the current government, living standards are improving… We see a fantastic opportunity for Australia.”</p><p>On India-Australia ties, Farrell noted that, “we continue to build a strong relationship with the Indian government, the Indian people. Indians now represent a significant portion of our tourists, migrants, and students.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Read More | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-india-the-maharaja-of-tariffs-trump-s-trade-advisor-reveals-why-china-is-not-hit-with-tariffs-over-russian-oil-1754561364305"><strong>'India, the Maharaja of tariffs': Trump's trade advisor reveals why China is not hit with tariffs over Russian oil</strong></a></p>

Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell backed India amid new US tariffs, stressing support for "free and fair trade." He opposed protectionism as US-India ties worsen. His remarks follow progress in the Australia-India CECA talks, with productive meetings held in New Delhi last week.

With Donald Trump's tariff coming into effect on India, Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell has come out in support of Delhi, emphasising his country's commitment to 'free and fair trade'. Speaking on Thursday, he said, 'We are a country that believes in free and fair trade. We believe that the best way of ensuring prosperity is to continue free, fair and open trade. We don’t support imposition of tariffs, whether on Australia or India....” He emphasised, “Protectionism is not the way. It is free and fair trade.” The US Tariff of 50% on India came into effect this week, as Delhi-Washington ties hit rock bottom, last seen in 1998 after India's nuclear tests. Farrell’s remarks come at a time when Australia and India are working to conclude the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) pact. Last week, Australia sent its top negotiator to New Delhi for a full week of productive discussions. “We had a full week of negotiations last week. We sent our top negotiator to New Delhi. We had a productive week of discussions, I had 2 Zoom calls with Mr Piyush Goyal,” Farrell noted. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-tariff-war-what-will-take-a-hit-what-remains-exempted-1756317568598/embed Read More | 'Not Putin, Modi's war...': Trump aide blames Indian PM for Ukraine war His optimism about the negotiations was palpable. Expressing his 'confidence' that 'goodwill between ourselves and India, plus, current international circumstances where those countries who believe in free and fair trade' will lead to further 'extension of our agreement'. India-Australia already have an Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which was signed in April 2022. It serves as an interim free trade agreement (FTA) to boost economic cooperation, eliminate tariffs on a wide range of goods, and open up services markets. “We can do more. My objective is to increase trade and build strong community relationships. That is certainly the message to Minister Goyal", Australia Trade Minister said. Read More | ‘Laundromat for Kremlin’: Top US official slams India, accuses India of fuelling Russia’s war in Ukraine Beyond trade, Australia is keen to boost investment in India, recognising it as a thriving democracy with improving living standards. “Australia is keen to increase investments in India. Like Australia, India is a thriving democracy. We want to work with countries like India,” Farrell stated. “We see great opportunities in India. Thanks to policies of the current government, living standards are improving… We see a fantastic opportunity for Australia.” On India-Australia ties, Farrell noted that, “we continue to build a strong relationship with the Indian government, the Indian people. Indians now represent a significant portion of our tourists, migrants, and students.” Read More | 'India, the Maharaja of tariffs': Trump's trade advisor reveals why China is not hit with tariffs over Russian oil

<p>Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell backed India amid new US tariffs, stressing support for "free and fair trade." He opposed protectionism as US-India ties worsen. His remarks follow progress in the Australia-India CECA talks, with productive meetings held in New Delhi last week.</p>

'We don't support tariffs on India': Australia Trade Minister Don Farrell

The India-Australia annual second 2+2 dialogue is scheduled to take place on November 20, 2023. The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue is a cornerstone of the relationship between the two countries and an opportunity to progress their work together to shape the type of region.

India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial dialogue; Foreign & Defence ministers meet in New Delhi

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Sydney on Wednesday with the major impetus being on boosting economic cooperation&nbsp;as he wraps up the third and final leg of his three-nation tour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two leaders discussed wide-ranging issues with a focus on boosting ties in areas of trade and investment, defence and renewable energy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the talks, the Indian prime minister signed the visitors’ book at the Admiralty House, where he was accorded a Ceremonial Guard of Honour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the presser after the talks, Albanese thanked PM Modi for visiting his country. He said, "This is my sixth meeting with Modi within one year. We both are targeting renewable cooperation with our task forces."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My visit to India in March defines, trade, business &amp; people to people links," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bilateral talks took place a day after Modi addressed the Indian community at a rally in Sydney that was also attended by Albanese, who called the event "significant".</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with Australian PM Anthony Albanese, in Sydney <a href="https://t.co/SJ9BBqJAre">pic.twitter.com/SJ9BBqJAre</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1661164366106861568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1661161281804726273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1661160355383607296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>India-Australia ties in ‘T20’ mode: PM Modi&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>During the presser, PM Modi said that he is "very pleased and thankful" for the welcome he received during the Australia visit. He also hailed the respect given to him and the delegation during the tour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Using a cricket analogy while referring to the sixth meeting with PM Albanese within a year, PM Modi said, "Our sixth meet, defines in cricket language, our relationship is in T20 mode."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "Our ties are based on mutual trust and respect. In our talks, we discussed comprehensive strategy for the next decade and also discussed India and Australia’s unity. This will further strengthen our partnership and look for fresh avenues together."&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The Indian community in Australia is the living bridge between India and Australia, Modi added.</p>

<p>“We discussed taking India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights. We decided to focus on comprehensive economic cooperation agreement that will further boost economic ties and held detailed discussions on scope of cooperation in new areas,” PM Modi said in the joint presser after the talks.</p>

<p>Australian prime minister said he is "pleased" to launch Australian consulate in Bengaluru, and PM Modi also said that India will open a Consulate in Brisbane just like Australian Consulate in Bengaluru.</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi raises&nbsp;the issue of temple attacks, vandalism&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi also said that they discussed attacks and vandalism on Hindu temples in Australia. He said, "PM Anthony Albanese and I have in the past discussed the issue of attacks on temples in Australia and activities of separatist elements. We discussed the matter today also."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will not accept any elements that harm the friendly and warm ties between India and Australia by their actions or thoughts. PM Albanese assured me once again today that he will take strict actions against such elements in the future also."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian prime minister said, "PM Albanese and I have discussed in Quad Summit, about the peace in the region. We have discussed issues in the Indo-Pacific region."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | PM Anthony Albanese and I have in the past discussed the issue of attack on temples in Australia and activities of separatist elements. We discussed the matter today also. We will not accept any elements that harm the friendly and warm ties between the India-Australia… <a href="https://t.co/CJxdU64upC">pic.twitter.com/CJxdU64upC</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1661184874013954048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi and Albanese also witnessed the exchange of MoUs between the two countries. PM Modi's visit is crucial as both the nations have been working on boosting ties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India and Australia finalised the Economic Cooperation Trade Agreement (ECTA) last year and it came into force in December last.&nbsp;The two sides are now working on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Albanese said on Monday: "Australia and India share a commitment to a stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Together, we have an important role to play in supporting this vision."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In June 2020, India and Australia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Sydney on Wednesday with the major impetus being on boosting economic cooperation as he wraps up the third and final leg of his three-nation tour.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Sydney on Wednesday with the major impetus being on boosting economic cooperation as he wraps up the third and final leg of his three-nation tour. The two leaders discussed wide-ranging issues with a focus on boosting ties in areas of trade and investment, defence and renewable energy. Ahead of the talks, the Indian prime minister signed the visitors’ book at the Admiralty House, where he was accorded a Ceremonial Guard of Honour. In the presser after the talks, Albanese thanked PM Modi for visiting his country. He said, "This is my sixth meeting with Modi within one year. We both are targeting renewable cooperation with our task forces." "My visit to India in March defines, trade, business & people to people links," he added. The bilateral talks took place a day after Modi addressed the Indian community at a rally in Sydney that was also attended by Albanese, who called the event "significant". #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with Australian PM Anthony Albanese, in Sydney pic.twitter.com/SJ9BBqJAre — ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2023 × #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi signs the visitors' book at the Admiralty House in Sydney, Australia pic.twitter.com/SfkkWwLGSB — ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2023 × #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi accorded a Ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Admiralty House in Sydney, Australia pic.twitter.com/ECLMbw018V — ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2023 × India-Australia ties in ‘T20’ mode: PM Modi During the presser, PM Modi said that he is "very pleased and thankful" for the welcome he received during the Australia visit. He also hailed the respect given to him and the delegation during the tour. Using a cricket analogy while referring to the sixth meeting with PM Albanese within a year, PM Modi said, "Our sixth meet, defines in cricket language, our relationship is in T20 mode." He added, "Our ties are based on mutual trust and respect. In our talks, we discussed comprehensive strategy for the next decade and also discussed India and Australia’s unity. This will further strengthen our partnership and look for fresh avenues together." The Indian community in Australia is the living bridge between India and Australia, Modi added. “We discussed taking India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights. We decided to focus on comprehensive economic cooperation agreement that will further boost economic ties and held detailed discussions on scope of cooperation in new areas,” PM Modi said in the joint presser after the talks. Australian prime minister said he is "pleased" to launch Australian consulate in Bengaluru, and PM Modi also said that India will open a Consulate in Brisbane just like Australian Consulate in Bengaluru. PM Modi raises the issue of temple attacks, vandalism PM Modi also said that they discussed attacks and vandalism on Hindu temples in Australia. He said, "PM Anthony Albanese and I have in the past discussed the issue of attacks on temples in Australia and activities of separatist elements. We discussed the matter today also." "We will not accept any elements that harm the friendly and warm ties between India and Australia by their actions or thoughts. PM Albanese assured me once again today that he will take strict actions against such elements in the future also." The Indian prime minister said, "PM Albanese and I have discussed in Quad Summit, about the peace in the region. We have discussed issues in the Indo-Pacific region." #WATCH | PM Anthony Albanese and I have in the past discussed the issue of attack on temples in Australia and activities of separatist elements. We discussed the matter today also. We will not accept any elements that harm the friendly and warm ties between the India-Australia… pic.twitter.com/CJxdU64upC — ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2023 × PM Modi and Albanese also witnessed the exchange of MoUs between the two countries. PM Modi's visit is crucial as both the nations have been working on boosting ties. India and Australia finalised the Economic Cooperation Trade Agreement (ECTA) last year and it came into force in December last. The two sides are now working on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). Albanese said on Monday: "Australia and India share a commitment to a stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Together, we have an important role to play in supporting this vision." In June 2020, India and Australia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

PM Modi, Albanese focus on boosting economic cooperation in talks, discuss trade, defence, renewable energy

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian PM Scott Morrison will hold the first-ever Virtual Leaders Summit on Thursday morning that will see several announcements including on Mutual logistics support arrangement (MLSA).

PM Modi to hold virtual summit with Australian PM Scott Morrison today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison are attending an online summit on Thursday to review the broad framework of bilateral strategic ties.

India & Australia upgrade ties to comprehensive strategic level

PM Modi Attends virtual Summit With Australian PM Scott Morrison