Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese on Thursday held wide-ranging talks at the third India-Australia Annual Summit in Melbourne, reviewing the expanding bilateral relationship and setting an ambitious agenda for deeper cooperation in trade, defence, critical minerals, clean energy and emerging technologies.
PM Modi, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Government House on his arrival, held one-on-one discussions with Albanese before the two leaders led delegation-level talks.
The summit marked six years of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with both leaders expressing satisfaction over the progress made across political, economic and strategic ties. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, reaffirming their shared commitment to a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
A major focus of the discussions was economic cooperation. The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the early conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), describing it as an ambitious, balanced and mutually beneficial trade pact that would further strengthen bilateral commerce and investment.
Education emerged as another important pillar of the partnership, with the two leaders noting the growing presence of Australian universities in India. They said educational collaborations were helping build a future-ready workforce, promote innovation and strengthen ties between the two societies.
PM Modi and Albanese also praised the Indian diaspora in Australia for its contribution to Australian society and for serving as a vital bridge between the two countries. They welcomed growing cultural exchanges and appreciated Australia’s decision to voluntarily return several Indian cultural artefacts, including a sacred Nandi stone sculpture, a metal Trident bearing the image of Bhadrakali and a six-headed stone statue of Karthikeya, all originating from Tamil Nadu.
The summit also produced a broad package of agreements and memoranda of understanding covering maritime security, civil nuclear energy, skill development, emerging technologies, science and technology, filmmaking, defence and security, energy cooperation, education, solar energy, traditional knowledge and the repatriation of cultural property.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the multifaceted India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and expanding cooperation across sectors of mutual interest.
At the conclusion of the summit, Prime Minister Modi thanked Albanese for the warm hospitality extended to him and the Indian delegation during the visit.
