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India-Austria ties to get new thrust

The upcoming prime ministerial visit from India to Austria will mark a pivotal moment in the relationship between New Delhi and Vienna, as it will lead to revitalisation of ties between the two nations, writes Ranjit Kumar

The first ever visit of an Indian Prime Minister in four decades to Austria would rekindle India’s relations with the European nation. The historical significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on 9-10 July cannot be understated.
 
Prime Minister Modi’s decision to include Austria in his first bilateral foreign trip after beginning his third term in office speaks volumes about the importance he places on strengthening diplomatic relations with the European nation.
 
Furthermore, the timing of this visit is particularly noteworthy, as both countries are commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their bilateral relations, adding an extra layer of significance to the visit.


 
Strong and steadfast relations
 
The relationship between India and Austria dates back to the early years of India’s independence, with Vienna holding a deep appreciation for the political support extended by New Delhi during crucial moments in history.
 
India’s intervention in the negotiations with the Soviet Union on the State Treaty of Austria in 1953 played a pivotal role in securing Austria’s independence in 1955, a gesture that has not been forgotten by the Austrian people.
 
Over the years, the two countries have maintained strong and steadfast relations, with Austria emerging as a respected voice in both European and global politics.
 
With Vienna serving as the headquarters for various international organizations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency and the United Nations, Austria’s neutral status and diplomatic influence have further solidified its position on the world stage.

The historical context of high-level visits between India and Austria highlights the significance of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
 
From Indian President, K R Narayanan’s first visit in 1999 to the recent interactions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Austrian leaders, there has been a consistent effort to strengthen ties.
 
The visits by then President Pratibha Patil in 2011 and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1971 and 1983, along with the foundational visit by then Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru in 1955, underscore the long-standing relationship between India and Austria.
 
The recent interactions between Prime Minister Modi and Austrian leaders, including the current Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, demonstrate the commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation.


 
Significance of prime ministerial visit
 
With India being a key player in the global economy and a strategic partner of the European Union, closer ties between India and Austria hold immense potential. 

As both countries navigate the post-COVID world, the shared goal of strengthening and diversifying relations reflects a mutual understanding of the importance of collaboration in addressing regional and global challenges.
 
The upcoming visit by PM Modi signifies a new chapter in India-Austria relations, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and cooperation between the two nations.
 
In the past few years, the two countries have been actively engaging at a senior level, culminating in the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 9-10. Regular meetings between the foreign ministers of both nations have been instrumental in fostering this relationship.

The focus of Modi’s visit will be on business, innovation, and technology, with particular attention to the recent launch of the Startup Bridge project, which has already seen 20 Indian startups participating in a major event in Vienna.
 
Additionally, both countries are exploring opportunities for technology cooperation, with the aim of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through the Startup Bridge initiative.
 
The economic ties between India and Austria are robust, with over 30 to 40 large Austrian companies already established in India across various sectors such as infrastructure, tunnelling, and track laying.
 
Furthermore, both countries are keen on exploring collaboration in key areas such as clean technologies and renewables, with Indian businesses looking to learn from Austrian expertise in these sectors.
 
 The bilateral trade of USD 2.9 billion between the two nations is balanced, with India exporting a wide range of goods including electronic products, apparel, textiles, footwear, vehicles, railway parts, rubber articles, and mechanical appliances.

Vienna [Austria], Jan 2 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg during a meeting in Vienna, on Monday. (ANI Photo)


 
Conclusion
 
The Austrian European and International affairs minister Alexander Schallenberg who visited New Delhi last March has emphasized the significant business opportunities for enhancing bilateral trade and investments, highlighting the reliability and long-term commitment of Austrian partners in fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.

Additionally, the presence of over 500 Indian students and a 31,000-strong Indian diaspora in Austria further underscores the depth of the relationship between the two countries.
 
In order to enhance the bilateral relations between the two nations, an Indo-Austrian joint commission was established back in 1983.
 
Currently, the collaboration between India and Austria is advancing with the support of approximately 20 memorandums of understanding covering various areas such as air services, promotion and protection of investments, infrastructure cooperation in railways, health, science and technology, agriculture, and technology cooperation in shipping and ports.
 
The Austrians have already witnessed India’s scientific capabilities when they successfully launched two Austrian Satellites in 2013. With the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Vienna, it is anticipated that both countries will sign multiple agreements to further solidify the ties of economic and diplomatic cooperation between them.
 
(The writer is a senior journalist and strategic affairs analyst; views expressed here are his own) – India News Network

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Australian PM declines invitation to NATO summit

While there has been no formal explanation as of Tuesday morning, the decision was reportedly made so Mr Albanese could instead focus on domestic policies….reports Asian Lite News

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has turned down an invitation to meet with world leaders at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) summit in Washington next week.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, has confirmed he will attend the summit in place of the Prime Minister.

While there has been no formal explanation as of Tuesday morning, the decision was reportedly made so Mr Albanese could instead focus on domestic policies.

As a NATO partner, Australia was expected to attend the event as senior officials of the organisation have warned in recent months about a new regional threat.

Australia, South Korea, New Zealand and Japan were all officially invited to the 75th anniversary Washington Summit.

Delegates attend a ceremony for Finland’s accession to NATO at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, April 4, 2023. Finland on Tuesday formally became the 31st member state of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), ending its military non-alignment in the fastest accession procedure in record time. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

A spokesperson for the Deputy Prime Minister said: “attendance at the 75th NATO Summit underscores Australia’s commitment to advocate for our region’s strategic priorities.”

In response to the news, shadow foreign affairs minister Simon Birmingham condemned the refusal and argued Australia needs to attend important events on the international stage. 

“Unless Anthony Albanese has a very, very good reason not to be attending the NATO summit, then this is frankly a dereliction of duty by the Prime Minister,” Mr Birmingham said.

An insider source told the Sydney Morning Herald that NATO was disappointed by the Prime Minister’s apparent refusal to attend.

“It is somewhat disappointing because this gathering of leaders will hopefully send a message that the world’s leading democracies are united,” the anonymous diplomat in Brussels said.

Albanese has faced criticism in the past for excessive overseas travel and it has been suggested this factored into his decision not to attend the NATO summit. The Prime Minister has attended two NATO summits in the past, including in Vilnius, Lithuania in 2023.

Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to host talks Tuesday with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in a session the Pentagon says will show U.S. support for Ukraine’s security.

The talks come a week before the United States hosts a NATO summit where military support for Ukraine to help it defend against a Russian invasion is set to top the agenda.

“Secretary Austin and Minister Umerov will discuss the bilateral defense cooperation, regional security issues and ways to strengthen the defense partnership between the United States and Ukraine,” Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters Monday.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also is hosting talks Tuesday with Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The United States has been by far the biggest supporter of Ukraine in the more than two years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

U.S. military aid is again flowing to Ukrainian forces after stalling for several months amid political gridlock in the U.S. Congress.

Zelenskyy said in a video address late Monday that he expects this month to “bring even more strength to Ukraine, particularly in protecting our sky and achieving real security for our country.”

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Australia Inks $18M Deal with India’s Space Giant

Australian firm Space Machines will launch a satellite inspection and observation payload aboard ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) in 2026…reports Asian Lite News

The Australian government on Wednesday entered into an $18 million memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Under the partnership, announced on the inaugural day of the India Space Congress 2024, Australian firm Space Machines will launch a satellite inspection and observation payload aboard ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) in 2026.

“It is terrific to see this historic launch agreement signed here today between Space Machines and NewSpace India Limited. Australia and India are important strategic and natural partners in the space sector; an inherently global industry,” said Philip Green OAM, Australian High Commissioner to India.

The mission, named Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research and Innovation), marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between Australia and India in the space domain, fostering closer ties between commercial, institutional, and governmental space organisations from both nations. 

“This collaboration with Space Machines Company exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation in space and highlights the strategic partnership between Australia and India,” Radhakrishnan Durairaj, NSIL Chairman and MD, said in a statement.

In April, Space Machines Company announced that the Space MAITRI project had received an $8.5 million grant from the Australian Government through the Australian Space Agency’s International Space Investment India Projects (ISI India Projects) programme.

“By combining our innovative spacecraft capabilities with India’s proven launch expertise, we are not only strengthening the ties between our nations’ space sectors but also demonstrating our shared commitment to sustainable space operations,” said Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO and Co-Founder of Space Machines Company.

In addition, the head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo, said the agreement is an important step towards enhancing Australia’s space heritage and strengthening our relationship with India.

“Like India, Australia’s commercial space sector is rapidly growing, and we are producing innovative space technologies that benefit life on Earth. The mission will inspire future explorers and further enhance international cooperation in this critical domain,” he added.

The Space MAITRI mission involves several Australian and Indian partner companies collaborating with Space Machines Company, including Ananth Technologies, Digantara, The University of Adelaide, The University of Sydney, The University of Technology Sydney, LeoLabs, Advanced Navigation, and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI).

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Australia urged to condemn persecution of Falun Gong in China

Human rights organisations, international bodies, and governmental reports have extensively documented these abuses….reports Asian Lite News

A coalition of human rights organisations, advocacy groups, and prominent individuals has penned a joint letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, urging the Australian Government to take decisive action against the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China.

The letter, signed by 25 influential signatories, marks the 25th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party’s campaign against Falun Gong, which began on July 20, 1999.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual practice rooted in Buddhist traditions, emphasising the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.

Since the crackdown started, millions of practitioners in China have faced severe human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings. Disturbingly, evidence indicates that Falun Gong practitioners are being killed to supply organs for China’s state-sanctioned transplantation industry.

Human rights organisations, international bodies, and governmental reports have extensively documented these abuses.

In 2007, the US State Department highlighted that Falun Gong practitioners made up 66 percent of torture victims in Chinese government custody, as reported by UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Manfred Nowak. More recently, in 2021, 12 UN Special Rapporteurs raised credible evidence of forced organ harvesting with the Chinese Government

The 2019 China Tribunal, an independent tribunal investigating forced organ harvesting, concluded that the practice has been ongoing for years on a large scale, with Falun Gong practitioners as a primary source of organs.

In response to these atrocities, the United States sanctioned a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) official in 2021 for human rights violations against Falun Gong practitioners.

The European Parliament has also taken a stand, passing a resolution in 2024 that urges China to cease the persecution of Falun Gong, Uyghurs, and Tibetans. This follows the US House Resolution 343, passed in 2016, demanding an end to the persecution of Falun Gong and the release of all practitioners and other prisoners of conscience.

The joint letter calls on the Australian Government to pass a motion demanding an immediate end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China and the unconditional release of all detained practitioners and prisoners of conscience.

It also asks to implement Magnitsky-style sanctions against those involved in the persecution and address the issue at the UN Human Rights Council and General Assembly.

The signatories argue that Australia, as a signatory to international human rights treaties, has a moral and legal obligation to act. They urged Prime Minister Albanese to detail the measures the Australian Government will take to address these egregious human rights violations.

The letter is signed by a diverse coalition of advocates, including Lucy Zhao of the Falun Dafa Association of Australia, Michelle Pearse of the Australian Christian Lobby, Rev Bob Fu of China Aid Association, and Dolkun Isa of the World Uyghur Congress, among others. (ANI)

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China, Australia Sign MoU to Restart Economic Dialogue

The signature of the MoU was witnessed by leaders of the two countries. Liu Sushe, deputy head of the NDRC, and Treasurer of Australia Jim Chalmers represented their respective governments at the signing ceremony…reports Asian Lite News

The Chinese and Australian governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to restart strategic economic dialogue with a focus on forward-looking economic issues.

Both countries on Monday agreed to enhance communication and exchange with the aim of fostering practical and effective economic cooperation, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China’s top economic planner.

The signature of the MoU was witnessed by leaders of the two countries. Liu Sushe, deputy head of the NDRC, and Treasurer of Australia Jim Chalmers represented their respective governments at the signing ceremony.

In the Australian capital Canberra on Monday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that China is willing to enhance coordination and cooperation with Australia at regional and international levels, calling for opposing camp confrontation and a “new Cold War”.

Li made the remarks during the ninth China-Australia Annual Leaders’ Meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

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Australia, China agree to ‘manage differences’

The visit by Li Qiang marks the first visit to Australia by a Chinese premier in seven years and demonstrates a further thawing of the once-frosty ties between the two nations

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Annual Leaders’ Meeting in Canberra on Monday. Terming his talks with Albanese as “candid, in-depth and fruitful,” Li said they also exchanged views on some differences and disagreements between the two countries and agreed to manage them properly.

The visit by Li marks the first visit to Australia by a Chinese premier in seven years and demonstrates a further thawing of the once-frosty ties between the two nations, ABC News reported.

Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Li Qiang said that the two sides agreed to maintain high-level exchanges and strengthen exchanges between the legislatures, government departments and political parties between the two countries.

Li Qiang said, “Just now, Prime Minister Albanese and I had a candid, in depth and fruitful meeting and reached a lot of consensus. We both agreed to uphold the right characterisation of our bilateral relationship and consolidate its momentum of improvement and development. We reaffirmed our commitment to defining this relationship as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, to mutual respect and trust and to viewing and handling this relationship in a positive attitude.”

“The two sides agreed to maintain high-level interactions, strengthen exchanges between the legislatures, government departments and political parties and fully resume various areas of institutional dialogue and bring their role into full play. We also had a candid exchange of views of some differences and disagreements and agreed to properly manage them in a manner befitting our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” he said

The Chinese Premier said that Australia and China signed several cooperation documents on trade, education, climate change, culture and intellectual property. Li said China and Australia will make good use of such dialogue mechanisms like Strategy Economic Dialogue, the joint Ministerial Economic Commission and the Free Trade Agreement Committee to address each other’s economic and trade concerns and provide a fair, open and non-discriminatory business environment for companies.

Australian PM Albanese termed the talks as “constructive” and stressed that the two nations cannot address differences without talks.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Albanese said, “We had a constructive discussion today at our Annual Leaders’ Meeting, building on our Annual Meeting last year in Beijing. My government has put dialogue at the centre of Australia’s relationship with China because it is always most effective when we deal directly with each other.”

“That’s how we make progress on our shared interests and protect regional stability. Without dialogue, we can’t address any of the differences that arise between us. Australia and China have renewed and revitalised our engagement. We’ve agreed across a range of MoUs and arrangements today that will continue to shape and drive our practical cooperation as we continue the process of stabilising the relationship,” he added.

Albanese also extended a welcome to the Chinese Premier in Canberra. In a post on X, Albanese stated, “Welcome to Canberra, Premier Li Qiang.”

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Saturday arrived in Australia for an official visit, Xinhua reported. Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong received him at the airport. He arrived in Australia after his official visit to New Zealand as part of his three-nation visit. (ANI)

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Chinese premier Li Qiang to visit Australia

Most of those barriers have been removed since Albanese’s government was elected in 2022…reports Asian Lite News

Chinese Premier Li Qiang will visit New Zealand, Australia and Malaysia starting Thursday, officials said. Li will visit the three countries from June 13 to 20, a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said Tuesday.

Australia earlier announced that Li would land in the Australian city of Adelaide on June 15 and leave Perth on June 18. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Li are to hold an annual leaders’ meeting at Parliament House in the Australian capital, Canberra, during the visit.

The New Zealand and Malaysian governments have yet to announce Li’s itinerary in their countries. Li’s visit to Australia and New Zealand will be the first by a Chinese premier, the second most powerful official in China’s leadership, in seven years. A Chinese premier hasn’t visited Malaysia since 2015.

Li’s Australian trip follows a visit by Albanese to Beijing last November, when leaders agreed to resume key bilateral dialogues and further several areas of cooperation.

China imposed a series of official and unofficial trade barriers that cost Australian exporters up to 20 billion Australian dollars ($13 billion) a year after Australia’s previous government urged an international inquiry into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most of those barriers have been removed since Albanese’s government was elected in 2022.

Albanese said he would push for barriers to Australian lobster to be lifted and for imprisoned Australian democracy blogger Yang Hengjuno to be freed.

“Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Australia is an important opportunity to engage directly on key issues for both our nations,” Albanese said.

“Australia continues to pursue a stable and direct relationship with China, with dialogue at its core,” he said.

New Zealand officials say their discussions with Li will focus on their aim to double the value of the nation’s exports to China in a decade.

New Zealand has traditionally sought to balance its trade relationship with China with the interests of its Western allies in the Five Eyes intelligence sharing partnership, who have more assertively decried China’s growing influence in the region. Malaysia has similarly resisted taking sides in the U.S.-China rivalry.

Australia has more vocally sided with its most important security ally, the United States, in challenging China’s expanding influence.

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Australian PM condemns vandalism of US consulate in Sydney

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also condemned the incident and described it as “reprehensible.”…reports Asian Lite News

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack on the US consulate in Sydney by the pro-Palestinian protestors and said that such acts are “not the Australian way,” Al Jazeera reported.

The incident happened on Monday (local time) when a mob attacked the US consulate with a sledgehammer and defaced it with pro-Palestinian graffiti.

“The Middle East conflict is a difficult issue. It is complex. It certainly needs some nuance and isn’t a matter of just sloganeering,” Albanese said at a news conference in Canberra while urging the protestors to “turn the heat down.”

“Measures such as painting the US Consulate do nothing to advance the cause of those who have committed what is, of course, a crime to damage property,” he said.

The security camera footage showed a hooded figure with his or her face obscured smashing windows at the consulate at about 3 am (local time) on Monday, Al Jazeera reported citing the police.

The consulate’s coat of arms was also spray-painted over with two red inverted triangles, which are used by some protesters to symbolise Palestinian resistance.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also condemned the incident and described it as “reprehensible.”

“It’s an indication of a kind of coarsening of the public debate that no one needs in Australia,” Minns said. “This kind of behaviour will be investigated and punished by NSW police.”

Earlier in April, the consulate was vandalised with the words “Free Gaza”, while the US consulate in Melbourne was spray-painted in a similar incident last month.

Australia is a close ally of Israel but has become increasingly critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza in recent months, as reported by Al Jazeera.

In April, Albanese condemned Israel’s explanation for the killing of Australian woman Zomi Frankcom and six other aid workers in an air strike in central Gaza as “not good enough”. (ANI)

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Albanese Dials Modi, Hails Lok Sabha Win

Sydney, May 23 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Australian PM Anthony Albanese during an Indian community event, in Sydney on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)

Albanese highlights huge advantages and opportunities for Australian businesses as India progresses to becoming the world’s third-largest economy…reports Asian Lite News

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dialled PM Narendra Modi Thursday afternoon, congratulating him on his electoral victory in the just-concluded Lok Sabha elections.

“Great to speak with Narendra Modi today to congratulate him on his election victory. Australia and India are close friends, with strong strategic, economic and cultural ties. We look forward to growing our partnership in 2024 and beyond,” Albanese posted on X after the phone call.

Having placed India at the heart of Australia’s approach to the Indo-Pacific and beyond, the Albanese government continues to deepen the multifaceted Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

Albanese has repeatedly emphasised that there are enormous advantages and real opportunities for Australian business as India stays on course to become the third-largest economy in the world in the coming years.

Earlier this week, IANS reported that the Australian government has invited public submissions as it prepares a new roadmap for the country’s closer economic engagement with India.

The roadmap will not only take stock of Australia’s existing economic initiatives with India, but also explore innovative ways of doing more together.

“There has never been a better time to engage economically with India: already the most populous country in the world, India’s economy is growing at pace. In 2023 India was our fourth-largest export market and is on track to be the world’s third-largest economy by the end of this decade. Australia is well positioned to both benefit from and contribute to India’s growth story – if we target our efforts wisely,” stated Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

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Cummins Bolsters Confidence Ahead of World Cup

Cummins highlighted the importance of sticking to the same format, which he believes makes a “huge difference” to the tactical side of bowling….reports Asian Lite News

Australia spearhead pacer Pat Cummins, is riding a wave of confidence as he enters the T20 World Cup, feeling that his game is in the best shape it has been in a decade.

Fresh off a successful stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Cummins joined the Australian squad in Barbados, ready to make his mark. Back in November, ahead of the IPL auction, Cummins had made his intentions clear: he aimed to use the tournament to showcase his abilities and secure his place in Australia’s T20 setup.

“Probably as well as I have for the last 10 years really,” Cummins told cricket.com.au of his T20 bowling on Monday. “We played 17 games straight (at the IPL). For the most part, international T20s are after the Test series, and you’ve got to try and hit a yorker or a slower ball, and then go back to a Test series.”

“So just getting the pace of the game and executing some of those balls that you need more in T20 cricket than in other formats, I feel really well placed,” he added.

Cummins highlighted the importance of sticking to the same format, which he believes makes a “huge difference” to the tactical side of bowling.

“A lot of T20 bowling in particular is about thinking through your sequencing of which ball to bowl or when, and I think over the course of the season you get to learn pretty quickly what’s working and what isn’t.

“Even if it doesn’t work first game, and you feel like it’s never going to work every game, but you know that if you zoom out over the course of the tournament it’s going to work for you. So it’s nice coming in here with that confidence.”

His tenure as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad not only polished his bowling skills but also enhanced his leadership credentials. Now, as he dons the Australian colours once more, Cummins is content to take a backseat in leadership, with his good friend Mitchell Marsh stepping up as captain for the T20 World Cup.

“I’m obviously there to help him if he needs me but it’s Mitch’s show. I’m certainly there to help … as are a lot of the senior guys, so he won’t be short of help if he needs it,” Cummins said.

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