Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held delegation-level talks on Thursday as part of the third Australia-India Annual Leaders' Summit at Government House in Melbourne. The meeting marked a key step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
High-Level Delegation and Ceremonial Welcome
PM Modi was accompanied by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during the talks. Earlier, Modi held a bilateral meeting with the Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardner AC, at Government House. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honour, with Albanese and Gardner receiving him at the venue.
Focus on Trade and Clean Energy
Addressing the India-Australia CEO Forum and Economic Roadmap Business Reception, PM Modi highlighted India's clean energy ambitions. He stated, "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."
Modi also underscored the impact of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), signed in 2022. He noted, "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."
Bilateral Agenda and Upcoming Visit to New Zealand
The meeting comes as part of Modi's three-nation tour, which also includes visits to Indonesia and New Zealand. During his three-day stay in Australia, Modi and Albanese are expected to discuss defence and security cooperation, trade and investment, education, mobility, and people-to-people ties. In his departure statement, Modi emphasized deepening bilateral cooperation in emerging technologies, sports, and sports science. After Australia, Modi will travel to New Zealand for the final leg of his tour.
