India, Australia pledge to boost economic and security relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday conveyed to his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese India’s concerns over the recent incidents of attacks on temples in Australia and pro-Khalistani activities in that country even as the two leaders vowed to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) besides ramping up defence ties.

After the first India-Australia summit talks, Albanese said both sides are looking at firming up the CECA by 2023 and that progress has been made on a migration and mobility pact that will benefit students and professionals.

“I am hopeful that we will be able to finalise it this year,” the Australian