Ind, Aus agree to deepen bilateral cooperation

India and Australia today agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy, water, science, education and skills.
"The Prime Ministers (Tony Abbott and Narendra Modi) agreed to deepen the cooperation between the two countries on energy security through ministerial-level dialogue. They agreed to develop a strategic partnership on energy and resources based on long-term, sustainable and reliable supply of Australian resources based on India's energy needs.
"They agreed that cooperation on energy -- extending to coal, LNG, renewables and uranium -- and on resources such as iron ore, copper and gold were key elements of the relationship and committed to intensifying these links," a joint statement said.

The Australia-India Strategic Research Fund, which has provided a high-impact knowledge partnership between the two countries through science and technology cooperation, was also given a further period of four years "on the basis of matching commitments" and "reciprocity" with an increasing focus on commercialisation of research outcomes.
With Australia offering to support India's Ganga rejuvenation efforts, the two prime ministers also announced an extension of the MoU on water cooperation, the joint statement added.
The two prime ministers agreed to expand knowledge partnerships in education, skills and research. They noted its vital role in achieving India's national goals for innovation, productivity and growth.

"The Prime Ministers called for efforts to enlarge the scope for joint research, joint Ph.D programmes and joint degrees and commended the work of the Australia-India Education Council (AIEC) in advancing education, training and research partnerships.

"Both also welcomed the Australian government's New Colombo Plan initiative, under which young Australian students would study in institutions in India, thereby furthering youth and academic exchanges and promoting contacts," the statement added.
Modi for his part expressed appreciation for Australian authorities' efforts to ensure the welfare and security of Indian students in Australia.
Welcoming the increasing collaboration to develop quality skills training framework, Abbott underlined Australia's commitment to supporting the up-skilling of India's workforce, including through Australia's world-class vocational education and training capabilities.