Scott Morrison Credits PM Modi With Strong National-Interest Focus In Foreign Policy

Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach to India’s foreign policy, describing it as strongly focused on national interests and practical engagement. In an interview with Italian-Indian entrepreneur and analyst Vas Shenoy, Morrison also credited External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar with an important role in advancing the government’s foreign policy approach.

Reflecting on India’s foreign policy trajectory ahead of the country’s Independence Day celebrations, Morrison said New Delhi was increasingly focused on realising its potential while maintaining an independent approach to international relations. He noted that India’s national interests have encouraged closer engagement with countries including the United States, Australia, Japan and South Korea without excluding its other international relationships.

Morrison described Modi’s foreign policy as both pragmatic and strongly oriented towards national interests. He also praised Jaishankar for carrying forward the approach and highlighted opportunities for India in areas including the economy, technology and space. Morrison predicted that India could become a major space power over the next two to three decades as its space economy develops further.

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The former Australian leader also discussed India’s role in the Quad, describing New Delhi’s participation as central to the grouping’s significance and effectiveness. He highlighted the increasing importance of maritime security across the Indo-Pacific and argued that the Quad should place greater emphasis on the Indian Ocean component of its wider regional agenda. Morrison noted that the security dimension of the grouping had received renewed attention from the United States and that foreign ministers had continued discussions on the issue.

Morrison, who served as Australia’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022, also recalled his discussions with Modi on developments in the Indo-Pacific. He welcomed visits by the Indian and Japanese prime ministers to Australia while noting that a Quad leaders’ meeting had yet to take place. He maintained that India’s continued participation was essential to the grouping, particularly as regional security and strategic competition become increasingly important.

Morrison further described the Indo-Pacific as a major geopolitical centre with significant economic and security implications. He argued that European companies need to develop a stronger understanding of developments in the region, including its opportunities and challenges. He identified India and Australia as important platforms for European engagement with the Indo-Pacific, alongside Japan, South Korea and other regional countries.

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