Distinguished guests from the Indian food and beverage, film, tourism and hospitality industries.
Namaskar.
Good afternoon, everyone — it’s wonderful to see you all here.
Thank you to Don Farrell, Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, for bringing us together— and Austrade and the Australian Food and Wine Collaboration for showcasing such an outstanding selection of Australian products.
Distinguished guests from the Indian food and beverage, film, tourism and hospitality industries
Since returning to India yesterday, I’ve been immersed in the wonders of this country.
Celebrating the festival of Holi in Gandhinagar.
Watching the cricket with Prime Minister Modi in Ahmedabad.
I’m delighted to be sharing some of the wonders of Australia in return — our food and wine, our tourist destinations, and our cinema.
Because these things are celebrations — of our land, our people, and our stories.
Australia and India share this sense of life.
As you know, the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement recently came into force, unlocking enormous potential in our relationship.
It gives Australian businesses far greater access to the mighty Indian economy — a market of 1.4 billion people, and one of the world’s fastest growing major economies.
More than 85 per cent of Australian goods exports by value to India are now tariff free — and 96 per cent of imports from India to Australia are tariff free, too.
Australian fresh lobster and lamb used to be subject to a 30 per cent tariff in India.
Now, it’s zero.
Tariffs on other products like avocado, citrus and seafood are on a pathway to zero.
I look forward to the bustling restaurants of Mumbai and Delhi showcasing these great Australian products, with a glass of premium Australian wine alongside.
We’re one of the world’s leading wine-producing countries.
And some of our most popular varieties and labels are being showcased today — like Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, and Sauvignon Blanc from Southern New South Wales.
Coopers craft beers are also available across India, and I congratulate Coopers on recently securing distribution with VBev, one of India’s largest alcoholic beverage importers.
It’s a great example of an Australian brand finding new markets, and bringing their quintessentially Australian product to the world.
I feel so fortunate to be visiting India for the third time in my life.
This is the first trip for one member of my team, though because he grew up watching Bollywood films on SBS
He told me he was so excited to come here.
So it’s particularly special to be here in Mumbai, the capital of Indian cinema.
Prime Minister Modi and I will have more to say on this tomorrow, but I am pleased that our two governments have been working hard to bring our two film industries closer together.
For me, films are food for the soul.
They tell stories, help us to feel, and reflect who we are and where we come from.
They can inspire empathy, foster understanding, and promote dialogue.
Bringing our two countries’ storytellers together – actors, producers and filmmakers – will in turn bring our people closer together.
I look forward to seeing more Indian – Australian co-productions on our screens soon showcasing the best of both our cultures, landscapes and people.
As a cricket tragic, I’m hoping fast-bowler-turned-Bollywood-actor Brett Lee might even feature!
With the end of the pandemic, I also hope that Indian tourists, students and other travellers will continue to flock back to Australia.
We can’t wait to welcome you with a hearty g’day, and to share our country’s wonders.
From the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and Katherine Gorge, to the architectural feats of Sydney’s Opera House and Harbour Bridge, to the rich tapestry of our multicultural society — which includes a thriving Indian community of almost one million people, to our rich Indigenous culture that dates back some 65,000 years and whose deep, spiritual connection to the land is represented by the sacred site of Uluru.
Australia and India have so much to share, and so much to learn from each other.
So let us experience the wonders of our nations, and deepen the friendship between our peoples.
Dhanyavaad.
Speech
MUMBAI, INDIA
Prime Minister