Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a three-nation visit, with his second stop being Australia. During his visit, PM Modi met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and discussed various aspects of bilateral relations, including trade, defence, and energy security. PM Modi highlighted India’s growth and global trust at a diaspora event in Melbourne, stating that 21st-century India is driven by the mantra of ‘Nagrik Devo Bhava’ and the collective aspirations of its people.
He also emphasized India’s technological and industrial progress, noting that the country is developing a manufacturing ecosystem ranging from chips to ships and advancing 6G technology. The Prime Minister also asserted that the world places immense trust in India due to its humanitarian aid and decisive action against terrorist bases. He further stated that India is working towards becoming a developed country where citizens aim to grow more and achieve more.
During his meeting with PM Albanese, the two leaders discussed the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and decided to accelerate work on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). They also signed a comprehensive joint statement and landmark declarations covering defence, energy security, critical minerals, and digital technologies. Australia’s largest pension fund, AustralianSuper, announced a further investment of AUD 500 million in India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), taking the fund’s overall holdings in India to 3.3 billion Australian dollars.
The two countries also signed a nuclear energy agreement, which will facilitate the supply of uranium from Australia to India. PM Modi met with Victoria Governor Margaret Gardner in Melbourne and discussed bilateral ties. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honour in the Australian capital, and he addressed business leaders at the India-Australia CEO Forum and Economic Roadmap Business Reception in Melbourne.
PM Modi met former Australian PM Scott Morrison during his visit to Australia. The Prime Minister’s visit to Australia is seen as a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations and deepening cooperation in various areas. The two countries have a long-standing relationship based on shared values and mutual interests, and this visit is expected to further cement their ties.
