Melbourne, Aug 29: Taking their bilateral relationship forward, India and Australia today signed an agreement in the field of telecommunication with External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha saying that New Delhi is turning "a new leaf" in its relationship with Canberra. Sinha signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Australian Minister for Telecommunications Richard Alston on cooperation in the field of telecommunication.

Speaking to the growing Indian community here last night, Sinha announced that a full-fledged Indian consulate will soon be opened in the city. The people of Indian origin have been asking for a consulate in this second largest city of Australia for some time now.

"Indian community in Australia is a bridge between the two countries. Its contribution to the socio-economic-cultural life is recognized by Australian people and governments," Sinha said. "We are turning a new leaf in our relationship with Australia. From some misunderstanding five years ago we have today come a long way. Australia, like some other countries which snapped all diplomatic ties with India following the 1998 Pokhran blasts, is realizing that India has nuclear arms, but it is a done deed," he said.

Bureau Report