Turnbull expected to visit India next week

Turnbull will be accompanied by his Education and Training Minister Simon Birmingham who is leading the ‘Australia India Skills Mission’ comprising a strong delegation of education experts, official sources said. Turnbull’s office did not divulge details of the official programme, saying “PM’s travel arrangements could not be revealed until an official announcement is made”. 

The visit will be an opportunity to further build relations with India which may include discussions on trade, defence, education and skills sector. Modi invited Turnbull to India last year during the G-20 Summit in China. 

Turnbull, 62, became Australia’s Prime Minister on September 15, 2015. Craig Jeffrey, Director of Australia India Institute, a Melbourne-based think-tank, said the two leaders will have a natural affinity as both placed a premium on youth, jobs and innovation. 

He said that the visit was a crucial moment for reflecting on the complementary strengths of higher education in India and Australia. 

“Flow of people and ideas knit Australia and India together. Now is the time to capitalise on these connections,” Jeffrey said. 

Australia India Business council national chair Sheba Nandkeolyar attached great importance to the upcoming trip. 

“A visit by another Prime Minister is highly regarded in India. This implies that Australia means business and India is viewed as a strategic partner,” he said.