Australia has expressed its keenness to play its role in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India’ by extending its expertise, technology and other cooperation in areas of mutual interest including urban development, energy and defence. This was communicated by the Australian High Commissioner Mr Patrick Suckling during his meeting with the Minister of Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Parliamentary Affairs Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi today. The High Commissioner informed Shri Naidu that Australia has necessary expertise in urban design, construction of new smart cities, green and quality buildings, networked buildings, waste management and urban regeneration and would like to participate in India’s urban development initiatives. Mr Suckling further said that bilateral trade between the two countries can be scaled up substantially as coal, gas, uranium, nuclear energy and defence sector also hold immense prospects.
Stating that the last visit of an Indian Parliamentary delegation to Australia was in 1997, the High Commissioner emphasised the need for resumption of such visits. He also suggested visits of young Indian Parliamentarians to Australia besides exploring the prospects of sending the staff working with Indian Parliamentarians to his country for internship with Australian law makers. Appreciating these suggestions, Shri Naidu assured that he would take up these suggestions with the Presiding Officers of both Houses of Parliament. Shri Naidu informed the Australian High Commissioner that various urban development initiatives would be firmed up soon and specific proposals from Australia would be considered appropriately. The minster thanked the High Commissioner and Government of Australia for their interest in India’s growth and development.