PM Modi, Scott Morrison agree European conflict shouldn’t shift focus from Indo-Pacific: Foreign Secy

Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Scott Morrison met virtually today for the India-Australia Summit, where they discussed the Russian invasion of Ukraine and China’s aggression on India’s north among other things.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison today agreed that the conflict in Europe should not be the reason to divert attention from the Indo-Pacific region and the Quad, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla told reporters today. The leaders also discussed the humanitarian aspects of the Ukraine situation, he said.

The two prime ministers met virtually today for the India-Australia Summit, where they discussed the Russian invasion of Ukraine and China’s aggression on India’s north among other things.

India, unlike the other Quad members US, Japan and Australia, has not condemned the Russian invasion, maintaining that the crisis should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

According to Shringla, Scott Morrison, at the meeting, also said that he understood India's position on the Ukraine issue.

The leaders also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest, including concerns over terrorism.

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“China came up, too,” Shringla told reporters, adding, “The PM spoke about the situation at the border and in Ladakh. He emphasised that peace and tranquility are a pre-requisite for the normalisation of relations with China.”