Highlights
- Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks to Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on phone
- The two leaders share domestic response strategies and decide to make collaborative research efforts
- Mr Morrison assures Mr Modi that the Indian community would "continue to be valued."
As the two countries struggle to contain the pandemic, Prime Minister Scott Morrison shared Australia’s experience of managing the crisis with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Monday.
The two leaders discussed response strategies being adopted by their respective governments and shared knowledge on treatment for the coronavirus.
“They agreed on the importance of bilateral experience-sharing in the context of this health crisis, including through collaborative research effort,” a statement from Indian Prime Minister's office said.
Both countries also agreed to remain attentive to the “wider significance of the India-Australia partnership, including in the Indo-Pacific region”, even as they focus on solving the present health crisis.
According to the statement, Mr Modi also conveyed that India stands ready to provide necessary facilitation and support to Australians stranded in the country due to a nationwide lockdown.
Perth-based tourist, Matthew James Chinery, who is stranded in Goa told SBS Punjabi that he is “tired of assurances” from both governments.
“Cases are increasing in India with every passing day," he said.
"We don’t want assurances, but a formidable action from the Australian government to arrange repatriation flights for hundreds of Australians stranded in different parts of India.”
Scott Morrison, in return, assured him that the “Indian community in Australia, including Indian students, would continue to be valued as a vibrant part of the Australian society.”
This comes days after the Australian government told international students facing financial hardships due to the coronavirus outbreak to return to their home countries, an announcement that did not go down well with many students of Indian origin.
Anant Singh Bhatia, a civil engineering student based in Adelaide who is in his final year of graduation, said the attitude of the Australian government towards international students was “harsh and unfair.”
“We acknowledge the support that the government is offering to its citizens and permanent residents. But what about us? How can the government just ignore us in times of crisis?
“We also pay taxes and add billions to the economy,” rued Mr Bhatia.
For those who have been in the country for longer than 12 months, the Australian government asked them to fall back on their superannuation contribution.
It also reminded the remaining of the declaration they make at the beginning of their study of having sufficient resources to be able to support them.
Amit Jaduan, a coordinator from Victoria for the Federation of Indian Associations Australia, said international students must not expect financial support from the government.
“Honestly, the government is right in reminding students of the guarantee of funds they undertake before staring their study here in Australia.
“As a volunteer for the rights of the students, we are also not seeking financial support for the students, but what we are asking is for them to ensure that the outbreak should not impact their studies,” said Mr Jadaun.
He, however, added that asking them to go home was not a “feasible solution.”
“It will disrupt their studies, their lives and have an impact on their future. This action will also have a detrimental effect on the country’s education sector.”
Coronavirus symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia, according to the Federal Government's website. Symptoms can include a fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath.
If you develop symptoms within 14 days of returning from overseas, you should call to seek medical attention.
If you don’t have symptoms but you have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, you should also call to seek medical attention.
If you believe you may need to get tested, call your doctor, don’t visit. Or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
