India and Australia on Thursday signed a landmark agreement to facilitate Australian uranium supplies for India's civilian nuclear programme, while deciding to fast-track negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and expand cooperation across critical minerals, clean energy, cyber technologies and maritime security. The outcomes were announced after the third India-Australia Annual Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Melbourne.
Uranium Supply Pact Boosts Clean Energy Goals
A major outcome of the summit was an agreement in the nuclear energy sector that will enable uranium supplies from Australia to India, providing a significant boost to New Delhi's clean energy ambitions and long-term energy security. "In the field of nuclear energy, we have reached an important agreement today. This will open the way for uranium supplies from Australia to India and give fresh momentum to our clean energy goals," Modi said at a joint press conference.
Fast-Tracking Trade and Investment
The two leaders agreed to accelerate negotiations on the long-pending CECA, building on the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement signed in 2022, which has substantially expanded bilateral trade. They also decided to expedite negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty to encourage greater two-way investments. Modi described the relationship as a partnership of the future, saying the two countries had emerged as trusted democratic partners in the Indo-Pacific.
Clean Energy and Critical Minerals Cooperation
Highlighting clean energy as a central pillar of the partnership, Modi said both countries would deepen collaboration in renewable energy, technology transfer and industry-to-industry cooperation. He announced the establishment of a rooftop solar training academy in Gujarat with Australian support under India's PM Surya Ghar Yojana to train youth and women in the renewable energy sector. Recognising critical minerals as vital to both economic and strategic security, the two countries launched the Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS) and agreed to work towards establishing a Critical Minerals Corridor to build resilient and trusted supply chains.
Defence and Maritime Security
The leaders also announced a Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation and adopted a Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap aimed at strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, including maritime domain awareness, shipbuilding, ship repair and maintenance. Modi said India and Australia, as two vibrant democracies and important Indo-Pacific maritime powers, shared a common vision for a free, open and rules-based regional order.
Counter-Terrorism and Global Issues
On counter-terrorism, Modi stated that both countries viewed terrorism as a global challenge requiring collective action. "Terrorism is not a challenge for any one country alone; it is a threat to all humanity. Our fight against terrorism is shared, our resolve is unwavering, and our cooperation in this field continues to grow stronger," he said. The two leaders also discussed major regional and global developments, reaffirming that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only sustainable path to resolving ongoing conflicts.
People-to-People Ties and Sports Analogy
Modi highlighted the growing people-to-people ties, noting that the Indian diaspora had become an important contributor to Australia's economic and social life. He welcomed the opening of Australian university campuses in India, saying the initiative would strengthen the bilateral knowledge partnership and facilitate greater mobility of students, professionals and tourists. Injecting a lighter note, Modi compared India-Australia ties to cricket: "Our agenda is as focused as a One-Day match, our decisions are as fast as T20 cricket, and our partnership is as enduring as a Test match," drawing applause. He also pointed to future opportunities in sports cooperation as both countries prepare to host major international sporting events, including the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
