Sydney, Aug. 13 -- Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has lauded the leadership skills of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him "quite unapologetic" about maintaining his freedom of manoeuvre.

Speaking virtually during the Indo-Mediterranean Dialogues, the former Australian PM emphasised that India under PM Modi's leadership prioritises advancing its national interest.

"He'll pick up the phone, and he'll talk to whoever he wants to. He'll go to whichever country he needs to, to advance India's national interest," said Morrison.

He also praised External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as an "able lieutenant" who had been "incredibly industrious" in implementing that approach.

Morrison, who served as the Australian Prime ...