Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Australia and had bilateral talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The two leaders discussed various engagements such as a historic community program and meetings with business leaders held in Sydney, which have been crucial in strengthening the friendship between India and Australia. PM Modi thanked the people of Australia, the Australian government, and Albanese for their hospitality and said that they will keep working towards a vibrant India-Australia friendship, which is also in the interest of global good.
Before the bilateral meeting, PM Modi received a ceremonial guard of honor at Admiralty House in Sydney, setting the stage for discussions with Albanese. During the meeting, PM Modi raised concerns regarding attacks on temples and the activities of pro-Khalistani elements in Australia. PM Modi expressed the intention to elevate the Australia-India comprehensive strategic partnership to greater heights in the coming decade. Discussions also encompassed strategic cooperation in mining, critical minerals, renewable energy, and other sectors.
PM Albanese announced the establishment of a new Australian Consulate-General in Bengaluru, primarily to facilitate connections between Australian businesses and India’s flourishing digital economy and innovation ecosystem. The roundtable with business leaders in Sydney provided an opportunity for Prime Minister Modi to invite Australian businesses to seize investment opportunities in India, particularly in sectors such as digital infrastructure, telecom, semiconductors, and various other areas of collaboration.
The lighting up of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House in the colors of the Indian tricolor served as a vibrant prelude to PM Modi’s visit. Concluding his three-nation tour to Japan, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, PM Modi visited Australia as a guest of the Australian government. The bilateral trade relationship between India and Australia continues to grow, with India being Australia’s largest export market for gold and chickpeas, the second-largest for coal and copper ores, and the third-largest for lead and wool.
