Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

on indulgence—I want to endorse the comments of the Prime Minister and wish him and the delegation well on what is a very important trip to India, an incredibly important trading partner. The cultural links and defence links, as the Prime Minister pointed out, are more important than ever. The diaspora community here is an integral part of modern Australia. They're wonderful Australians. The Treasurer and I and others joined for the national day in Brisbane, the celebrations on Australia Day. The Diwali events and others we go to regularly show how rich the culture is, and the engagement of young people in the Indian community in those events is quite a remarkable sight.

I had the great pleasure and great honour of meeting with Prime Minister Modi 2½ years ago in New Delhi. The warmth that he has for our country is sincere. The way in which he will engage with the Prime Minister will see our relationship advance. Prime Minister, as I said, I wish you and the delegation well on the trip. The fourth test, I hope, will be more similar in outcome to the last test than to the first two—not to be too controversial, but it is a little precarious over there.

It is an important relationship. The Quad was one of the great achievements of the coalition government when we were in power, and that relationship is more important than ever, for reasons that we all identify.

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