'Had No Answer': When PM Modi's Question On India-Australia Ties Stumped Jaishankar In 2014

Last Updated:November 03, 2024, 18:21 IST

EAM S Jaishankar shared a story from 2014 when PM Modi stumped him with a question on India-Australia relations.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar | File Image

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who arrived in Brisbane on Sunday, shared a story from 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s question on India-Australia relations left him speechless, prompting him to reflect on ties between both nations.

Addressing the Indian community in Brisbane, the EAM said, “I remember an early conversation with him (PM Modi) in 2014. He asked me ‘Explain to me why hasn’t our relationship with Australia developed?’ Because it has everything going for it. There is a language, shared culture, and tradition and yet somehow, something is not happening."

Jaishankar admitted that he found himself without an answer for PM Modi, as he hadn’t previously reflected on the question. “Things don’t happen automatically. It needs effort, mission and leadership," the EAM said.

Sharing his views on how the bilateral relationship between the two nations evolved in the last decade, Jaishankar said, “This didn’t happen on auto-pilot. People, on both ends, made great efforts to build it."

Four Factors That Shaped India-Australia Ties

Jaishankar emphasised the transformation in India-Australia relations, attributing the progress to four key factors while reflecting on the evolution of the bilateral partnership between the two nations.

Jaishankar credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Australian government, the global dynamics, and the contributions of the Indian diaspora for the evolution of the India-Australia ties.

“I want to highlight how much this relationship has changed in the last decade. There are four reasons. One PM Modi, two Australia, three the world and fourth is all of you. That is the reason why the relationship has come a long way," the EAM said.

EAM Jaishanka is on his five-day visit to Australia from November 3 to November 7, during which he will inaugurate the fourth Indian consulate in Australia in Brisbane on November 4.

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News world 'Had No Answer': When PM Modi's Question On India-Australia Ties Stumped Jaishankar In 2014