PM Modi Meets Victoria Governor Margaret Gardner
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with the Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardner AC, at the Government House in Melbourne on Thursday, July 9, 2026. The meeting took place at the official residence of the Governor, as confirmed by the Governor's official website.
Margaret Gardner AC is the 30th Governor of Victoria and the second woman to hold the office. Prior to her appointment in August 2023, she served as the 9th and first woman President and Vice-Chancellor of Monash University from September 2014 until August 2023. Victoria is a state in southeastern Australia.
Ceremonial Welcome and Guard of Honour
Earlier at the Government House in Melbourne, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honour. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Governor Gardner were present to receive the Prime Minister at the ceremonial venue, where all three greeted each other before the ceremony.
This meeting is part of PM Modi's three-nation visit to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand. He arrived in Australia on Wednesday and was welcomed by the Indian community with cultural performances showcasing shared heritage.
India-Australia CEO Forum and Economic Roadmap
Before the bilateral meeting, PM Modi addressed business leaders at the India-Australia CEO Forum and Economic Roadmap Business Reception in Melbourne, which was also attended by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. During his address, PM Modi highlighted India's clean energy ambitions.
"Many companies associated with clean energy are present here. We are building a manufacturing ecosystem in India for hydro projects, green hydrogen, solar modules, and wind turbines. India has set a target of achieving 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2070. Australia's technology, capital, and resources can accelerate this transition," PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister also underscored the impact of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) on bilateral economic relations. "The ECTA agreement, concluded in record time in 2022, has further strengthened our economic ties; since its implementation, exports from India to Australia have doubled, and businesses in both countries have benefited from new market access," PM Modi added.
Meeting with Australian PM Anthony Albanese
PM Modi also met his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, in Melbourne during the second leg of his three-nation visit. The two leaders are expected to hold wide-ranging discussions on strengthening cooperation in defence and security, trade and investment, education, mobility, and people-to-people ties during the three-day visit.
In his departure statement, PM Modi said the Australia visit would also provide an opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation in emerging and critical technologies, sports, and sports science. After concluding engagements in Australia, the Prime Minister will travel to New Zealand for the final leg of his tour.
