Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday held the third India-Australia Annual Summit in Melbourne, reaffirming their commitment to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through enhanced cooperation in trade, defence, critical technologies, clean energy, education and people-to-people ties.
PM Modi, who is on a visit to Australia, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Government House on his arrival before holding one-on-one talks with Prime Minister Albanese, followed by delegation-level discussions.
The two leaders reviewed the progress made since the launch of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020, noting that bilateral ties have expanded significantly over the past six years across strategic, economic and cultural domains.
A major focus of the summit was strengthening economic engagement. Both Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to concluding an ambitious, balanced and mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) at the earliest. They welcomed the outcomes of the Australia-India CEOs Forum and the Economic Roadmap Business event held earlier in the day and encouraged businesses from both countries to explore fresh investment opportunities in priority sectors.
The leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in defence and security, critical minerals, cyber and emerging technologies, space, civil nuclear energy, clean energy, education and skill development. They agreed that closer collaboration in these sectors would further strengthen the strategic partnership and contribute to regional stability and economic resilience.
Education emerged as another key pillar of the relationship, with both leaders highlighting the growing presence of Australian universities in India. They noted that academic partnerships are playing an important role in developing a future-ready workforce, fostering innovation and strengthening people-to-people connections.
PM Modi and Albanese also praised the Indian diaspora in Australia for its significant contribution to Australian society and for serving as a vital bridge between the two nations. They welcomed the continued expansion of cultural exchanges and appreciated Australia’s decision to voluntarily return several Indian cultural artefacts.
The artefacts, originating from Tamil Nadu, include a stone sculpture of the sacred Nandi, a metal trident bearing the image of Goddess Bhadrakali, and a six-headed stone statue of Lord Kartikeya. The objects will be transported back to India in due course.
The summit also resulted in the conclusion of a wide-ranging package of agreements and memoranda of understanding covering maritime security, civil nuclear cooperation, defence and security, energy security, skill development, emerging technologies, science and technology, filmmaking, solar energy, education, traditional knowledge and the repatriation of cultural property.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, reaffirming their shared commitment to maintaining a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific based on international law and mutual cooperation.
Concluding the summit, PM Modi thanked Albanese for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation, while both leaders reiterated their commitment to taking the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights.
