The Malabar exercise invitation is yet to come, but India and Australia are strengthening bonds through fruit. Bringing the countries closer, the Indian pomegranate—bright, red and juicy—is making history as it hits Australian supermarket shelves for the first time.
“While Australia already produces pomegranates, India is well placed as one of the world's largest pomegranate producers to meet shortfalls in the Australian markets,'' said Barry O'Farrell, the Australian High Commissioner to India.
The export of pomegranates to Australia has been made possible after much discussion and collaboration and “following an import risk assessment''. This is an important step forward in the relationship.
Until now, India only exported mangoes and table grapes to Australia. It is hoped that the pomegranate opens the doors for many other fruits to be exported, as long as the biosecurity conditions in Australia are met.
“Our growing two-way trade in agricultural products means consumers in India can enjoy Australian walnuts, almonds and beer made from Australian malting barley, to name a few,'' said O. Farrell. Australia has keen on expanding its exports with India for a few years now. The two-way trade in agricultural products is an important pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
Progress, however, has been slow. It is no secret that Australia has been looking to export dairy products to India, but this has been a sticky point.
The bond of food in diplomacy can't be underestimated. In the past few months, India opened its doors to fruit from other countries, with the ministry of agriculture allowing Uzbekistan to export its famed lemons and melons in exchange for Indian mangos and bananas.
Fresh produce from Afghanistan has also been brought in through the dedicated air corridor, which has been a pillar in the Indo-Afghan relations and was part of the confidence-building measures between both countries. This summer, Afghan apricots and cherries found their way into Indian markets and homes.
India exported fruits and vegetables worth Rs 9,182 crores which consisted of fruits worth Rs 4,832 crores and vegetables worth Rs 4,350 crores during 2019-20, according to government figures.
