India,Australia ties receive boost; 6 agreements signed

India and Australia sign 6 agreements in key areas of cooperation including, terror, civil aviation and health; Prime Minister Narendra and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull highlight shared commitment to democracy and rule of law; Leaders applaud Constructive discussion on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement; Australia to join International Solar alliance soon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull in New Delhi. Issues of mutual interests were discussed between the two leaders.

A number of MoUs and agreements are signed in the areas of Security, Environment, Sports, Science and Technology and Health. A high-powered delegation from the education sector is accompanying Turnbull.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the journey of co-operation between India and Australia is firmly on course. Speaking at the joint statemen between the two countries in Hyderabad House PM Modi said that he vividly recalls the meeting on the sidelines of G-20 and they have always reflected a strong sense of convergence and purpose between the two countries.

The PM said that the waters of Indian Ocean has a linked history between the two countries. PM said that the values and principles of democracy and rule of law are common to both the nation.

This is the first visit of Malcolm Turnbull to India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the Australian PM Turnbull. The two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest.

The Australian PM who is on a 4-day visit, was earlier accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourts of Rashtrapati Bhawan in Delhi. Addressing the gathering after the ceremonial welcome, Turnbull said that his visit will strengthen the ties between the two nations.

Australia PM had also visited Rajghat and paid tributes to the Father Of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.