New Delhi, April 13 (IANS): India's Culture and Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma said on Monday that the dates of 'Festival of India' in Australia will be finalised soon and promised to share contemporary art with Australia.

He was speaking at a meeting with a delegation headed by Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop, where both sides discussed measures and steps to be taken to promote relations, especially cultural relations, between the two countries.

Bishop said that an agreement on promotion of arts and culture was signed between the two countries during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Australia last year.

"It was also decided to hold a 'Festival of India' in Australia in 2015, which is a significant step and needs to be taken forward," she said.

Sharma said that discussions between the officials of the two countries are at an advanced stage and the dates of the festival are expected to be finalised soon.

Bishop also appreciated Indian contemporary art and requested that it be given a prominent place in the festival.

Sharma promised to share India's contemporary art and also pointed out that the strong cricketing ties between the two countries need to be highlighted.