Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday expressed optimism ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming state visit, scheduled from July 8 to 10, as the two nations seek to further strengthen bilateral ties.
According to a statement issued by the Office of the Australian Prime Minister, PM Modi will arrive in Melbourne for the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit.
“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, to Australia from 8 to 10 July 2026. The leaders will meet in Melbourne for the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit,” the statement said.
The Australian Prime Minister’s Office highlighted the “consequential” nature of the relationship, noting that the two nations are bound by a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and deep economic and cultural ties.
“As the world’s fourth-largest and fastest-growing economy, India is a critical economic partner for Australia. Our relationship is underpinned by our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and supported by deep economic and cultural connections,” the PMO said.
“Our cooperation on trade, defence and security, and technology is delivering benefits for both countries. Prime Minister Albanese last met Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025,” it added.
Reflecting on the significance of the visit, Albanese said, “I am honoured to welcome my friend Prime Minister Modi to Australia for our Annual Leaders’ Summit.”
He further emphasised the importance of the relationship, saying, “The Australia-India relationship has never been more consequential, and our partnership fosters peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”
“I look forward to strengthening Australia and India’s deep partnership,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a three-nation visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. The visit aims to further deepen ties with the three partner countries. During the tour, he will review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and interact with members of the Indian diaspora.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that, at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, Prime Minister Modi will visit Indonesia from July 6 to 8.
At the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, PM Modi will travel to Melbourne from July 8 to 10.
After concluding the Australia leg of his tour, PM Modi will undertake a state visit to New Zealand at the invitation of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. He will travel to Auckland from July 10 to 11.
(ANI)
