CANBERRA, ACT, July 9 -- The Prime Minister of Australia issued the following media release:

Thank you to the Centre for Australia-India Relations and Ryan for organising this reception.

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land we're meeting on and pay my respect to elders past, present and emerging.

Can I also acknowledge our guest of honour, my friend, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.

Ms Swati Dave, Chair of the Centre for Australia-India Relations and distinguished guests, one and all, including all of my ministerial colleagues that I see here as well.

Towards the end of the 20th Century, both Australia and India underwent a period of profound change and reform.

From a narrow foreign policy, to creativ...