CECA to open up India-Australia cooperation in agriculture, critical minerals and defence

Dutton said that the diaspora and strong people-to-people ties were the basis for the close economic cooperation between the two countries. The Leader of Opposition, who has also served as Minister for Defence, said China's aggression was a cause for concern and cannot be accepted.

"We have a deep trading relationship with China and we want that relationship to grow. But China under Xi is a different China. We have seen Chinese aggression with the Philippines, in the South China sea and land border with India. The common ingredient between India and Australia is that China’s aggressive approach should not be accepted", he said.

Speaking about the Israel-Hamas war, Dutton said the conflict was a test of Western leadership and the West must stand up to Hamas the way it did against Russia in the Ukraine war. "Role of the US has been crucial in sending a message to Iran and Hezbollah. So far the US has been successful in making sure this does not become a regional conflict but one cannot comment on the future", he said.