Daijiworld Media Network – Melbourne
Melbourne, Jul 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held bilateral talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne during the second leg of his three-nation tour, with the two leaders focusing on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defence, security and emerging technologies.
Modi arrived in Australia on Wednesday and was accorded a warm welcome by the Indian community, with cultural performances highlighting the shared heritage and growing ties between the two countries.
Addressing the meeting, Modi said the current global environment, marked by uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and an energy crisis, underscored the need for India and Australia to strengthen their partnership.
"The world is currently navigating a period marked by uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and an energy crisis. In such times, it is both natural and essential for India and Australia to move forward as natural and trusted partners," Modi said.
He noted that the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), signed in 2022, had significantly strengthened bilateral economic ties, adding that India's exports to Australia had doubled since the pact came into force while businesses in both countries had gained improved market access.
The two leaders are expected to hold wide-ranging discussions on defence and security cooperation, trade and investment, education, mobility, people-to-people exchanges, sports, sports science and collaboration in emerging and critical technologies.
According to Australian media reports, the two sides may also finalise an agreement on uranium exports to India. Although the two countries signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement in 2014, uranium exports have remained limited due to safeguards ensuring the fuel is used only for peaceful purposes.
India is Australia's fifth-largest trading partner after China, Japan, the United States and South Korea, while nearly one million people in Australia claim Indian ancestry.
Later in the day, Modi is expected to address thousands of members of the Indian diaspora at a major sporting venue in Melbourne. Security has been tightened around the venue following reports of planned protests.
Among the highlights of the Prime Minister's welcome was a performance by the Australian-India Orchestra, which presented Maa Tujhe Salaam. Modi also witnessed a unique musical performance featuring Australia's traditional didgeridoo and India's tabla, describing it as a reflection of the deep cultural bond between the two nations.
Before arriving in Australia, Modi concluded a three-day visit to Indonesia, where he held talks with President Prabowo Subianto. The two countries signed 14 agreements covering critical minerals, maritime security and other key sectors, besides inaugurating a joint conservation project at the UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta.
Following his engagements in Australia, Modi will travel to New Zealand for the final leg of his three-nation visit.