Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott stated that India is now the “second democratic superpower” and can be a reliable alternative to China. He underscored Prime Minister Modi’s influence in global affairs and spoke on the potential for deeper Australia-India ties in trade and security, emphasizing shared values and a commitment to democracy.
Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott remarked that India has established itself as the world’s “second democratic superpower” and is poised to become an alternative to China in global supply chains. In an interview with NDTV, he emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s impactful presence on the world stage and highlighted India’s growing influence under his leadership. Abbott has consistently viewed India as an emerging global leader and believes that greater democratic superpowers are necessary, especially during uncertain American times.
Abbott praised Prime Minister Modi for his strong stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, particularly for advocating for peace. He mentioned Modi’s commitment to diplomacy and noted that India’s position as the most populous nation and the fifth largest economy places it in a unique position to substitute for China. Abbott emphasized India’s potential to exert positive influence globally and urged it to leverage this for good.
In discussing Australia-India relations, Abbott pointed to the increasing cooperation facilitated by the Quad grouping, which includes the United States and Japan, and noted the growth of the Indian diaspora in Australia. He stated that India’s export growth rate to Australia exceeds that of its global export growth, emphasizing India’s reliability in trade agreements compared to China. Abbott anticipated that the two nations could significantly expand their trade, particularly in strategic raw materials.
Abbott highlighted the camaraderie between India and Australia, noting shared cultural interests and historical military ties, which strengthen bilateral relations. He expressed optimism about the future of the Quad alliance, likening its potential significance to that of the historic Five Eyes partnership in enhancing security collaboration. With joint military exercises and deepening partnerships, Abbott believes the possibilities for cooperation are vast.
In summary, Tony Abbott’s insights underscore India’s emerging status as a leading democratic power and its potential role in global politics and economics, particularly as an alternative to China in supply chains. He emphasizes the strength of Australia-India ties and advocates for deeper collaboration in trade and security matters, highlighting shared values and interests. Edifying nations of democratic strength like India can help counterbalance global uncertainties.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
