Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will visit India from 9-12 April for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a range of issues. The two countries are expected to sign agreements in the fields of trade, security, sports, health and education.

reporters here today, Mr Jaideep Mazumdar, Joint Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry, said the two PMs are expected to reiterate their commitment to an early conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) between their two countries. In response to a question, he said Australia had been an important partner of India in keeping the sea lanes secured. ‘’We see a lot of scope for enhanced maritime cooperation between us,’’ he added.

In a statement on the eve of his visit to India, the Australian PM said he would discuss with PM Modi the enormous opportunities for collaboration between India and Australia. ‘’With converging political, economic and strategic interests, we will use the meeting to strengthen our relationship even further for the benefit of both nations,’’ he added.

Noting that India was the world’s fastest growing major economy, he said the two-way trade between India and Australia had exceeded $19 billion in 2015-16 and there was scope for significant growth.

Mr Turnbull would also visit Mumbai to meet leading Indian CEOs and business people to discuss growing two-way trade and investment. Australian energy and resources were helping to power India’s growth, while Australia’s collaboration on innovation and technology would open new business opportunities in the future.

He said Australia was home to a vibrant Indian community which made a significant contribution to the fabric of the country’s multicultural society. The Indian community provided a vital bridge between the two countries, and this visit would ensure that the ties between India and Australia become even stronger.

Coinciding with the Australian PM’s visit, Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham is bringing one of the largest Australian delegations of skills providers and higher education representatives to India. Together with Mr Birmingham, Mr Turnbull will address a dinner convened to celebrate Australia's knowledge partnership with India.