Modi and Tony signed 5 MOUs/Agreements

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G20 summit, Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. Tony Abbot signed 5  MOUs/Agreements to strengthen the partnership between the two countries and to unlock the vast potential of their economic relationship, especially in priority areas such as resources, education, skills, agriculture, infrastructure, investments, financial services and health. Brief details of the MOUs/Agreements are as follows:

1. MOU on Combating Narcotics Trafficking and Developing Police Cooperation : To address concerns regarding illicit trafficking and drug abuse.  It places priority on tackling illicit trade, diversion of precursors, asset forfeiture and drug money laundering.  It will promote capacity building and help develop strategies and procedures for operations to disrupt and dismantle transnational narcotic related threats.

2. MOU on Cooperation in the Field of Arts and Culture: To enhance cultural relations between the two countries in pursuance of the Cultural Agreement of 1971.  It will promote cooperation through exchange of information, professional expertise, training and exhibitions in the field of culture.  It will deepen understanding between the people, institutions and art genres and promote sound and sustainable artistic and cultural activities.

3. MOU in the Field of Tourism: To enhance the bilateral cooperation and strengthen the friendly between the people.  It will encourage cooperation in tourism policy, information exchange, interaction between tourism stakeholders, training and investments in hospitality sector and promote the importance of the tourism sector in economic development and employment generation.

4. Agreement on Social Security : To strengthen the people-to-people contacts and facilitate and regulate the regulations between the two countries with respect to social security benefits and coverage. It will provide for social security and superannuation benefits for those who have been residents of the other country on basis of equality of benefit, export of benefits and avoidance of double coverage.  It will lead to greater economies and promote the flow of professionals.

5. Agreement concerning Transfer of Sentenced Persons:  To enhance cooperative efforts in law enforcement and administration of justice and to cooperate in the enforcement of penal sentences.  It will facilitate, regulate and lay down procedures for the transfer of sentenced persons and enable rehabilitation and reintegration of sentenced persons into society.