Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has praised India’s growing global influence, saying the country could become a “space powerhouse” over the next two decades as its space economy, technology and industrial capabilities expand.
Speaking virtually at the Indo-Mediterranean Dialogues, Morrison said India was taking on an increasingly important role in global geopolitics and the Indo-Pacific, while highlighting its potential to attract investment as international companies reassess their exposure to China.
“I think India will be a space powerhouse over the next 20 to 30 years as its space economy matures.”
He pointed to India’s geography, industrial capacity, technological development and democratic institutions as important advantages in attracting international capital.
“India takes its democracy and its institutions seriously and must, because it’s a big part of your investment pitch as to why people would risk capital in India.”
Morrison said India was well placed to benefit from a shift in global investment away from China.
“We’ve seen capital withdrawn out of China. Where will it go? India will be one of those countries making that pitch, and I think it can make a good one.”
The former prime minister also described India as increasingly indispensable to the strategic balance of the Indo-Pacific, saying its participation gives the Quad a distinctive character.
“India in particular,” he said, is taking on “a much more important role within geopolitics and certainly within the Indo-Pacific.”
Morrison separately praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach to foreign policy, describing him as “quite unapologetic” about advancing India’s national interests.
“He’ll pick up the phone, and he’ll talk to whoever he wants to. He’ll go to whichever country he needs to, to advance India’s national interest.”
He also praised India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as an “able lieutenant” who had been “incredibly industrious” in implementing that approach.
Morrison’s comments come as Australia and India deepen cooperation in space and strategic technology.
In July, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a temporary space tracking terminal on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to support India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
“As we expand our cooperation in space and technology, we have agreed to commission a temporary space tracking terminal on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, which will support India’s landmark Gaganyaan Human Space Flight Programme.”
Morrison also met Modi in Melbourne last month, reflecting on what he described as efforts during their time in office to elevate the Australia-India relationship across the economy, trade, security and defence. He said the pair had also discussed the Indo-Pacific and their shared commitment to the Quad, which they helped establish at leaders’ level.
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