Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach to international affairs, describing him as a leader who places India’s interests firmly at the centre of his foreign policy. Morrison also commended External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, highlighting his role in advancing New Delhi’s diplomatic priorities on the global stage.
Speaking virtually at the Indo-Mediterranean Dialogues, Morrison said India was becoming increasingly important to the geopolitical balance, particularly across the Indo-Pacific. He argued that New Delhi’s ability to engage independently with different countries gives India greater flexibility at a time when international power structures are becoming more distributed.
Morrison pointed to Modi’s willingness to engage with governments according to India’s own priorities, rather than being constrained by traditional alliances. He said the Indian leader had demonstrated a clear determination to pursue relationships that serve national objectives, reflecting what Morrison described as a confident and independent approach to diplomacy.
The former Australian leader also singled out Dr S. Jaishankar for praise, describing him as an effective senior figure in implementing India’s international strategy. Morrison highlighted the minister’s extensive diplomatic activity and ability to advance India’s interests across a rapidly changing international environment, particularly as New Delhi manages relationships with multiple major powers.
India’s expanding influence was another central theme of Morrison’s remarks. He said the country was assuming a much more significant position in global affairs and the Indo-Pacific, with its economic scale, geographical location, technological capabilities and democratic institutions contributing to its growing international importance.
Morrison also identified India as an increasingly important destination for international investment as businesses reconsider their exposure to China. He pointed to India’s industrial capacity, expanding technology sector and institutional framework as factors that could help the country attract capital as global companies diversify their supply chains and investment strategies.
The former prime minister further highlighted India’s potential in advanced industries, including space. His comments come as Australia and India continue to broaden cooperation in science and technology. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s July visit to Australia, the two countries announced a temporary space tracking facility on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to support India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
Morrison also stressed India’s importance to the Quad, the strategic grouping comprising Australia, India, Japan and the United States. He argued that India’s participation gives the grouping a distinctive character and that New Delhi’s growing involvement will be essential to the future strategic balance of the Indo-Pacific.
His assessment comes shortly after Australia and India further strengthened their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the third annual leaders’ summit in Melbourne. Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and Narendra Modi agreed to expand cooperation across defence, security, trade, critical minerals, cyber capabilities, technology, energy, education and people-to-people connections.
For Australia, Morrison’s comments underline the increasingly significant role India is expected to play in the region’s strategic and economic future. As Canberra and New Delhi deepen their cooperation, India’s independent foreign policy, growing economy and expanding influence are likely to remain important factors in shaping Australia’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific.
