Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged for the immediate withdrawal of the 'Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)' for the two countries' economic security. "Our (India-Australia) partnership has developed significantly in sectors such as key minerals, water management, renewable energy, and Covid-19 research," Prime Minister Modi said in his opening remarks during the second India-Australia Virtual Summit.

During his speech, the Prime Minister emphasised that India and Australia had made significant development in their relations in recent years. "We have very close collaboration in all of these areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, education and innovation, science and technology," he added. Despite the Covid-19 outbreak, the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has maintained its upward trend, with both countries continuing to interact closely.

The Prime Minister emphasised that "early conclusion of CECA will be vital" for the two countries' economic links, economic development, and economic security. "In Quad, we also have an excellent working relationship. This collaboration underscores our dedication to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific "He stated. PM Modi also praised his Australian counterpart in his opening remarks for taking the effort to return 29 Indian artefacts.

"I'd want to thank you in particular for taking the initiative to return ancient Indian artefacts. Among them are hundreds of years-old idols and images that were unlawfully removed from Rajasthan, West Bengal, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and other Indian states "He stated. During the summit, the two leaders are expected to build the groundwork for new projects and strengthen bilateral cooperation in a wide range of industries.

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