Australian PM Scott Morrison expressed understanding of India’s place on Ukraine: Foreign Secretary Shringla

“Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on March 21 expressed his understanding of India’s position on the crisis in Ukraine and he and PM Narendra Modi felt that the conflict should not be a reason for diverting attention from the Indo-Pacific,” Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla mentioned.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine figured at a digital summit between the 2 Prime Ministers. At a media briefing, Mr. Shringla mentioned Mr. Morrison expressed understanding of India’s place on the Ukraine difficulty.

“There was serious concern about the ongoing conflict and humanitarian situation in Ukraine and both Mr. Modi and Mr. Morrison emphasised the need for cessation of hostilities and violence in Ukraine,” Mr. Shringla mentioned.

“Both sides felt that the conflict in Europe should not be a reason for us to divert attention from the Indo-Pacific region,” he mentioned.

Unlike its Quad companions — the U.S., Japan and Australia — India has not condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has been sustaining that disaster must be resolved by means of dialogue and diplomacy. Mr. Shringla additionally mentioned that India and Australia had been eager to finalise the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement as it’ll unlock new alternatives to increase bilateral commerce and funding ties.

The Foreign Secretary mentioned the 2 leaders exchanged views on regional and international problems with mutual curiosity together with shared considerations over terrorism. Mr. Shringla mentioned Mr. Modi additionally referred to the state of affairs in jap Ladakh and he emphasised that peace and tranquillity within the area was important for normalisation of India’s ties with China.