Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Assistant Minister Tim Watts have aimed at Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s foreign policy vision, mocking his omission of India from his major foreign policy address earlier this month.
Wong posted on social media,
“How did Peter Dutton ignore one of Australia’s most important relationships in his ‘major foreign policy speech’? We can’t risk Peter Dutton taking Australia backwards.”
Indian-origin Senator Varun Ghosh also weighed in on Peter Dutton’s foreign policy address, noting the glaring omission of India and the broader South Asian region.
“Astonishingly, Mr Dutton failed to mention India even once — not South Asia, not the subcontinent — in a speech outlining Australia’s global priorities,” Senator Ghosh remarked.
Earlier in a speech at the Lowy Institute, Dutton outlined his vision for Australia’s global role, focusing on a firm foreign policy, stronger defence, and safeguarding essential services. He condemned the growing threats of Russian imperialism, Iranian-backed terrorism, and China’s military assertiveness, calling for “strong, clear-sighted, and values-driven leadership” to ensure national security and prosperity.
Dutton also stressed the need for Australia to prioritise self-reliance and resilience in national security, pushing for urgent investment in defence capabilities. He argued that Australia must not rely solely on its allies in times of crisis. Despite reaffirming support for Ukraine and criticising the Albanese Government’s handling of the conflict, Dutton also pointed out shortcomings in Australia’s foreign policy on Israel, China, and defence matters, accusing the government of undermining relations with Israel.
Assistant Foreign Minister Tim Watts, who represents one of Australia’s most multicultural electorates with a significant Indian sub-continent community, criticised the Liberal Party’s inconsistent stance on India and the region.
He recalled a past incident where a Liberal cabinet minister openly mocked a Hindu practice in Parliament — an episode that deeply hurt the Hindu Australian community.
“From mocking Hindu religious practises to now completely omitting India, the Quad, and the entire South Asian region from a major foreign policy speech — it shows the Liberals have not only forgotten the diaspora but also abandoned strategic vision,”
Watts said.
Before Minister Wong released the video, Assistant Minister Tim Watts highlighted that Australia’s economic, strategic, and community ties with India are at an all-time high under the Labor government.
Watts remarked,
“Which makes it all the more extraordinary that Peter Dutton didn’t mention India once in his Foreign Policy ‘vision speech’ today.”
Senator Wong, who met with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar multiple times last year, highlighted the Albanese Government’s work to enhance ties with India. She stressed the central role of the Australia-India partnership in maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Senator Wong also announced funding for cyber and critical technology projects under the Australia-India partnership and revealed plans for a First Nations Business Mission to India next year, promoting new commercial opportunities.
Dutton’s omission of India from his foreign policy speech has ignited further debate about the future direction of Australia’s international relations under a potential Coalition government.
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