Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held wide-ranging talks in Melbourne on Thursday, reaffirming their commitment to deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, defence, critical minerals, clean energy and emerging technologies, reflecting the growing importance of ties between the two countries.
Addressing a joint press conference after the meeting, the two leaders said India and Australia are determined to strengthen collaboration in areas that support economic growth, regional security and sustainable development. They also reviewed progress made under existing agreements and explored new opportunities to boost bilateral investment and business partnerships.
A major focus of the talks was cooperation in the supply of critical minerals and uranium, which are considered vital for India’s clean energy transition and long-term energy security. Both sides also discussed ways to enhance collaboration in renewable energy, green hydrogen and other low-carbon technologies to support climate goals.
Defence and maritime security featured prominently during the discussions. The two leaders reiterated their commitment to ensuring a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region and agreed to expand cooperation through joint military exercises, defence technology and maritime partnerships.
Trade also remained high on the agenda, with both countries expressing optimism about concluding the proposed Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). The agreement is expected to improve market access, strengthen supply chains and create new opportunities for businesses in both nations.
PM Modi said India values Australia as a trusted strategic partner and emphasised that bilateral ties have grown significantly in recent years across sectors ranging from education and technology to security and people-to-people exchanges. Albanese described India as one of Australia’s most important partners and said closer cooperation would benefit both countries as well as the wider Indo-Pacific region.
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