Ties with India at an unprecedentedly high level: Bishop

Australia's relations with India were at an "unprecedentedly" high level and there was mutual interest in ensuring sustained growth and prosperity, Australian Foreign Minister Julia Bishop said today.

Bishop, who is on a four-day visit to India, made the remarks while launching an Australian government funded project for child nutrition at Nizamuddin village here.

The Aga Khan Foundation, which will run the project named 'Zaika-e-Nizamuddin', has been granted around Rs 7.5 lakh for it by the Australian government. Under the project, nutritious food items will be delivered to local schools and Anganwadi (day care) centres by the foundation.

"India-Australian relations are at an unprecedentedly high level. This gesture today underpins the deep friendship and partnership and it's in our respective interests to ensure both our countries prosper. Investing in women is not only the right thing to do but the smart thing to do," Bishop said during a visit to the village.

India's relations with Australia have been on an upswing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had paid a five-day visit to Australia in November during which he had attended the G-20 Summit and held talks with his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott.

Jyotsna Lall, who is coordinating the project, explained that initially eight women are being engaged for producing "traditional nutritious food" for supplying to local schools and Anganwadi centres.

As part of another project, embroidered apparels handcrafted by a group of women in the tiny workshop, located down the narrow alleys of the historic area, have already made their way to the snazzy apparel showrooms of top brands across the country.

Fighting against all odds, a group of nearly 70 women are engaged in churning out the intricately woven products under the banner of 'Insha Crafts Centre', also funded by Australia and run by the Aga Khan Foundation

Few members of the group including Mehnaz, Fatima, Seema from the local community showcased fashion items developed by them to the Minister.

According to Lall, products worth more than Rs 14 lakh had made it to top retail chain Fabindia's showrooms last year.