PM Modi and Scott Morrison agree that the European conflict should not divert attention away from the Indo-Pacific: Foreign Secy

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla told reporters today that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison agreed that the crisis in Europe should not be used to divert attention away from the Indo-Pacific region and the Quad. According to him, the leaders also discussed the humanitarian implications of the Ukraine issue.

The two prime leaders met electronically today for the India-Australia Summit, where they addressed, among other things, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and China's push against India's north.

In contrast to the other Quad members, the United States, Japan, and Australia, India has not denounced the Russian incursion, arguing that the problem should be resolved via conversation and diplomacy.

According to Shringla, Scott Morrison stated at the meeting that he understood India.

The presidents also discussed regional and global issues of mutual concern, such as terrorism.

"China came up as well," Shringla told reporters, adding that "the PM discussed the situation at the border and in Ladakh." He emphasised that "peace and tranquillity are prerequisites for normalising relations with China."

According to Shringla, Prime Minister Scott Morrison provided a thorough view on Chinese activity in the region, particularly in the South China Sea.

The PM congratulated Morrison at the summit for returning 29 Indian artefacts that were trafficked to Australia and retrieved by authorities there. "I appreciate your initiative to return the Indian treasures. You sent hundreds of year-old antiques and photographs that were unlawfully removed from Rajasthan, West Bengal, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and other states. I thank you on behalf of all Indians "He stated.

Greeting the Australian Prime Minister with a "Namaskar," PM Modi offered his condolences for the loss of life and property in the Queensland and New South Wales floods.

The Foreign Secretary also discussed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's appreciation for Indian foreign policy. "It would be incorrect to argue that only one person has complimented India's policy. Many of our foreign policy measures at the prime ministerial level have gained widespread acclaim. "Our track record speaks for itself," he stated.