New Delhi: India and Australia on Friday committed to working together for a rules-based international order and a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
In a telephonic conversation, PM Modi and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison held special importance on the Covid situation.
The Leaders also discussed regional issues and reiterated the importance of working together for a rules-based international order and a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
Both the leaders agreed on the need to ensure affordable and equitable access to vaccines and medicines containing COVID globally, MEA said.
MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that Prime Minister sought Australia's support for the initiative taken at the WTO by India and South Africa to seek a temporary waiver under TRIPS in this context.
Also Read: In touch with foreign embassies & responding to their medical demands: MEA
Modi conveyed his appreciation for the prompt and generous support extended by the government and people of Australia for India’s fight against the second wave of COVID-19, MEA spokesman added.
India received Covid-19 medical aid from Australia on May 5. A flight with 1056 ventilators & 43 oxygen concentrators arrived in Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed gratitude to Australia for this gesture.
Bagchi tweeted, “Further strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Appreciate the gift of 1056 ventilators and 43 oxygen concentrators from our friend Australia".
"The leaders took note of the progress made in the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since the Virtual Summit held on 4 June 2020 and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation and foster people-to-people ties", said the statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.
