 | « Back to article | Print this article |
Australian Prime Minister John Howard arrived in New Delhi Sunday night on a four-day visit during which the two countries are expected to sign a number of agreements in the fields of defence, trade, science and air services.
Accompanied by his wife Janette Howard and a 20-member strong trade delegation, Howard was warmly received by Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma.
Undertaking his second visit to India in six years to further strengthen bilateral trade and strategic relations, Howard will hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Howard will also call on President A P J Abdul Kalam besides meeting Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath and Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed.
He will also meet United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition Lal Kishenchand Advani.
The two countries will sign a number of agreements including MOUs on defence cooperation, customs cooperation and bio-technology besides a pact on trade and economic framework and a letter of intent on India-Australia Strategic Research Fund.
Ahead of his visit, Howard said, "The discussions I will have while in India will add impetus to our growing strategic relationship."
Before embarking on his visit, Howard ruled out a nuclear deal with India during the trip.
"We are certainly not going to suddenly change our policy just because Indians and the Americans have reached an agreement", he told reporters in Sydney.
His visit follows the high-profile three-day trip to India by US President George W Bush, which was marked by the signing of the historic Indo-US civil nuclear pact.