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The Minister paid a visit to Melbourne University. At the Melbourne Law School, he was accompanied by Australia's Trade Minister Dan Tehan and Allan Myers, Chancellor, University of Melbourne.

"The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) gives us an opportunity to reclaim the brotherhood, fraternity, and togetherness that was rightfully due," Goyal remarked at a significant event at Melbourne University.

The minister emphasised that India and Australia are 50 years late in strengthening their ties.

The Minister paid a visit to Melbourne University. At the Melbourne Law School, he was accompanied by Australia's Trade Minister Dan Tehan and Allan Myers, Chancellor, University of Melbourne.

"The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) gives us an opportunity to reclaim the brotherhood, fraternity, and togetherness that was rightfully due," Goyal remarked at a significant event at Melbourne University.

The minister emphasised that India and Australia are 50 years late in strengthening their ties.

"This is a relationship where we could have naturally assisted each other in growing, prospering, and building a brighter future for the people of both countries," he continued.

Mr Goyal praised the speed with which the two countries reached an agreement on trade "Even if you are late, it is excellent that you have arrived. The IndAus accord reflects this sentiment: better late than never."

Mr Goyal went on to say that India and Australia are already well on their way to reaching an agreement on further educational partnership. "...I am hoping that The University of Melbourne will play a significant part in our future collaboration."

Mr Goyal paid gratitude to health workers, doctors, and nurses who contributed to saving lives during the COVID-19 pandemic throughout his speech.

He also paid respect to Shane Warne, the cricket legend who died recently. "Shane Warne was idolised in India. He was a one-of-a-kind cricketer. We all mourned the demise of the King of Spin, as he was known, at such a young age."

Mr Goyal would undertake wide-ranging conversations on the ECTA with his Australian counterpart, Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, during his visit, according to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

ECTA is India's first trade deal with a developed country in more than a decade, and it establishes an institutional system to boost bilateral commerce.

Mr. Goyal will meet with Tony Abbott, the Special Trade Envoy for the Australian Prime Minister. Along with Minister Dan Tehan, the Union Minister will pay a visit to the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground and address the Australia-India Chamber of Commerce and Austrade.

Later, he'll pay a visit to Melbourne's Shiva Vishnu Temple and attend an Indian Diaspora gathering. India's 17th largest trading partner is Australia, while Australia is India's 9th largest trading partner.