'Australia Does Not Support Tariffs': Minister Penny Wong Tells News18

Last Updated:August 27, 2025, 16:18 IST

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong further added that Australia is a friend to both India and the US and always encourages dialogue.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that she engages with India’s External Affairs Minister more than with any other counterpart. (Image: X/MEAIndia)

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has made it clear that Australia does not support tariffs. While responding to a question from News18 on the ongoing tariff war, though she refrained from commenting directly on bilateral relations between India and the United States, she emphasised that “We don’t support tariffs. Australia has been trading globally, and we are a testament to that."

While Minister Wong avoided specific remarks on the India–US trade situation, her statement nonetheless carries significant weight. She further added that Australia is a friend to both countries and always encourages dialogue. Highlighting the importance of India, she remarked that the relationship between the two nations has deepened over the past decade, and it is evident from her words that Australia wishes to continue strengthening this partnership.

Wong also began her interaction by stressing that she engages with India’s External Affairs Minister more than with any other counterpart. “Our relationship with India is extremely important, and the Indian diaspora is equally significant to us. This was clearly reflected during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit," she said.

On Quad, the Australian Foreign Minister expressed strong confidence in the grouping. “We strongly support the Quad. While others may have their bilateral issues, we must remember that we are Quad partners because we share common strategic objectives," she noted. Referring to her discussions with her Indian counterpart, she added, “We have personally spoken about the Indian Ocean, and our focus has been on those areas. The strength of the Quad lies in the fact that each partner brings its own perspective."

Addressing questions on China–India relations, Minister Wong was equally clear. “China is a great power. Like other major powers, China will act in line with its interests. There will be areas of difference and areas where cooperation is possible.

She also underlined Australia’s consistent support for India. Referring to recent developments, she said, “After Operation Sindoor, we spoke with India and stood firmly by its side. We welcomed the ceasefire and reiterated that we want a strong and trusted partnership with India."

Concluding her remarks, Penny Wong stressed that the global order is undergoing a period of reshaping, and in this evolving landscape, Australia is committed to standing alongside India.

Kamalika Sengupta

Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East...Read More

Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East...

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First Published:

August 27, 2025, 16:18 IST

News world 'Australia Does Not Support Tariffs': Minister Penny Wong Tells News18

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