His Excellency Mr Ram Nath Kovind, President of the Republic of India, and his wife, Mrs Savita Kovind, visited Australia from 21 to 24 November. This was the first state visit to Australia by an Indian President.
During the visit, the Prime Minister announced Australia's response to An India Economic Strategy to 2035, providing in-principle support to the Strategy's 20 priority recommendations, as well as agreeing to an initial round of measures under an ongoing implementation plan. A full list of measures for the first 12 months can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.
Australia's Foreign Minister and India's Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship witnessed the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding on cooperation in the disability sector, bilateral investment, scientific cooperation, agricultural research and education, and on joint doctoral collaboration.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also signed a letter of intent seeking to collaborate with India's Foreign Service Institute which is attached to the Ministry of External Affairs.