Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott is likely to visit India in early 2014. This was announced here Monday by Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid during a joint press conference.

 

 "We are looking forward to the Australian prime minister's visit to India. We are looking at an early slot for him to come down next year," Khurshid said. He said the visit was being planned amid indications that Abbott "wants to begin his term with a fruitful visit to India".

 

 Bishop said she was hopeful of the prime minister visiting next year.

 

 Liberal leader Tony Abbott became prime minister in September after the Liberal-National coalition defeated the Labour party government of Kevin Rudd.