Speaking at a joint press statement with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Australia has made unprecedented progress over the past few years. He noted that the third annual summit between the two nations has added new dimensions to their cooperation, emphasising that this partnership is not merely for the present but also for the future.
Agreement to Boost Trade and Investment
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the steady growth in bilateral trade and investment following the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) signed in 2022. Both nations have now decided to expedite the finalisation of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and accelerate progress on the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).
Boost to Clean Energy and Nuclear Cooperation
PM Modi stated that the India-Australia renewable energy partnership is playing a pivotal role in the fields of clean energy and climate action. He mentioned the establishment of a rooftop solar training academy in Gujarat—supporting the ‘PM Surya Ghar Yojana’—which will facilitate skill development for women and youth. He also noted a significant agreement in the nuclear energy sector, paving the way for uranium supplies from Australia to India and strengthening clean energy goals.
Enhanced Cooperation in Critical Minerals and Technology
The Prime Minister announced the launch of the ‘Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (AI-PACTS)’ to give new direction to cooperation in critical minerals, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and supply chains. Additionally, both countries will collaborate on a critical minerals corridor.
Joint Initiatives on Defence and Maritime Security
PM Modi stated that both nations have issued a significant joint declaration to strengthen defence and security cooperation. Cooperation between defence startups and industries will be enhanced through the India-Australia Defence Innovation Corridor. Furthermore, under the Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap, partnerships in shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance will be expanded alongside efforts to strengthen peace, stability, and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Shared Resolve Against Terrorism
The Prime Minister stated that both India and Australia view terrorism as a grave challenge to humanity and that cooperation between the two nations in combating it is steadily strengthening. He remarked that global tensions and conflicts can only be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, and affirmed that both countries would work together to bolster peace, freedom of navigation, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
Strengthening Education and People-to-People Ties
PM Narendra Modi highlighted that strong people-to-people ties constitute the greatest strength of the relationship between the two nations. Welcoming the establishment of Australian university campuses in India, he noted that this initiative would add a new dimension to higher education and knowledge partnerships. Additionally, the exchange of students, professionals, and tourists will be promoted.
Highlighting the Special Bond Through Cricket
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi remarked in a light-hearted vein that a discussion in a sports capital like Melbourne would be incomplete without talking about sports. He described cricket as the “diplomatic language” of the relationship between India and Australia. He observed that the agenda of meetings between the two nations is focused like an ODI match, decisions are swift like a T20 game, and the partnership is enduring and deep like a Test match.
