PM to address Oz House today
Modi, Abbott sign series of pacts on social security, transfer of sentenced prisoners, etc.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott for summit talks on Tuesday during which the two countries are expected to sign a series of pacts on social security, transfer of sentenced prisoners and combating narcotics trade.
Modi arrived on Monday on the third leg of his four-city tour of Australia from Sydney on a special Air India plane.
In a departure from protocol, Modi was received by foreign minister Julie Bishop at the Defence Establishment Fairbaim, reflecting the signifi- cance attached by Australia to the visit of the PM that comes 28 years after Rajiv Gandhi. Foreign dignitaries are usually not received at that level when they arrive in the night.
The deal on social security is expected to make it easier to swap staff between the two countries and is likely to boost two-way investment.
Modi will also address the Federal Parliament after his talks with Abbott.
PM TO PRESENT AWARD IN CANBERRA
NEW DELHI: In a special way to commemorate his visit, the PM will present the Man Singh Trophy at the Australian War Memorial at Canber ra on Tuesday. This gift is of immense historical significance — it was presented to the Officers’ Mess 14 (King George’s Own) Sikhs in 1919. All the Sikh Regiment Battalions have a bronze replica of this trophy.
The officers of the battalion which served during the World War I in Egypt, Gallipoli, Sinai and Mesopotamia from October 1914 to May 1917 had made it in commemoration of the gallant actions of their soldiers. The trophy, originally in silver, is named after Man Singh who was recognized as a valiant soldier known for his, professional skill, sheer physical prowess and agility.