Modi-Turnbull talks fail to decide on comprehensive economic cooperation agreement
India and Australia on Monday inked six pacts, including the one to boost counter-terror cooperation, seeking strong action against those financing and providing sanctuary to terror groups. However, at the end of bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visiting Australian counterpart Malcolm Turnbull, there was no decision on a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement (CECA), that would ensure free trade between the two nations.
Both Modi and Turnbull felt that commercial export of Australian uranium could begin soon, opening up a new avenue for Australia to support India's energy requirement. "We took a number of forward-looking decisions to further strengthen our partnership, including the decision to soon hold the next round of negotiations on a CECA," Modi said at a joint media event with Turnbull. Using cricket analogy, Modi, in a lighter vein, said, "I am, of course, glad that our decisions are not subject to the DRS review system."
After holding delegation-level bilateral talks, the two heads of state arrived at Mandi House metro station on the Delhi metro's Blue Line to hop a ride. The two leaders waved to the crowd gathered at the busy metro station, before boarding the train bound for Noida City Centre. While riding on the train, Prime Minister Turnbull whipped out his phone and snapped a selfie with PM Modi. Both the prime ministers deboarded at Akshardham metro station, and paid a visit to the famed Akshardham Temple.
In a reference to China, and dispute in South China Sea, a joint statement issued after the talks said both leaders recognised the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce, as well as resolving maritime disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with the international law. Australian PM also extended strong support for India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. He also said Australia supports India's entry into the other nuclear export clubs like the Australia Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement.
On comprehensive trade agreement, the two prime ministers asked negotiators to find a way out and list their priorities soon so that talks on it can move forward. There were indications that sticking points on the pact included issues relating to agriculture. On the threat of terrorism, the two leaders asserted that the fight against terrorists, terror organisations and networks should also identify, hold accountable and take strong measures against those who encourage, support and finance terror, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups, and falsely extol their virtues. "They emphazised the need for urgent measures to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism and violent extremism and radicalisation and expressed their determination to take concrete measures to step up cooperation and coordination among the law enforcement, intelligence and security organisations," a joint statement said.
The MoUs signed provided for deeper cooperation in areas of health and medicine, sports, environment, climate and wildlife, civil aviation security and cooperation in space technology. Expressing happiness over cooperation in the energy sector, Modi said, "With the passage of a legislation in the Australian parliament with bi-partisan support, Australia is now ready to export uranium to India." The two prime ministers highlighted their shared desire to ensure that Indian Ocean architecture keeps pace with regional issues and addresses emerging threats and challenges in the region.
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