MELBOURNE: Lauding the remarkable contributions of the Indian business community in Australia, former Prime Minister John Howard has stressed on the importance of ties with India for the future of his country.
Speaking to a gathering of over 400 Indian business leaders here, Howard said, “I would like to thank Indian Diaspora for their remarkable contribution. You have made, will continue to make and go on making those in growth, stability and the harmony of Australia.”
He stressed that the Indian Diaspora was a vital link to develop the relations between the two sides.
“You are all playing a major part in building those fundamental streaks of relationship and I am sure in years to come we would have much more to do each other than we have in the past,” Howard, whose government considered opening up uranium sales to India, said.
He said both countries have reasons for better relations as there was a lot in common, including love for cricket, some history, language and both were democracies.
Howard said India is an important nation to shape not only Asia’s future but also of the world. He referred to the growing young population of India and said that was an enormous advantage for India for future.
Citing a recent McKinsey report produced for the United Nations on India’s population and its composition, Howard said the report has forecast a huge population spurt of middle class segment in Asia by 2030 and that of 2.2 billion additional middle class in the world, 1.7 billion would be in Asia.
“By 2050 for first time in the mankind’s history people over the age of 65 will exceed the total number those in the age group of 14 years, he said adding that “with India’s young population which would be between 15-25 years, it was an advantage. There is an enormous opportunity for the future,” Howard said.
He also made references to economic challenges faced by both countries in today’s time.-PTI
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