Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday emplaned for Melbourne, Australia, after concluding the Indonesia leg of his three-nation visit from July 6 to 8. This marks his third visit to Australia and his first to Melbourne in 12 years, with his last visit to the city in November 2014 and his most recent visit to Australia in May 2023.
Cultural Cooperation: Prambanan Temple Restoration
Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo inaugurated the restoration project of the nearly 1,000-year-old Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Southeast Asia's most prominent Hindu heritage sites. This initiative underscores a significant milestone in India-Indonesia cultural cooperation.
India-Australia Annual Leaders' Summit
Indian High Commissioner to Australia, Nagesh Singh, highlighted the comprehensive agenda of the third annual leaders' summit. "If you remember in 2022, we signed the comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries, and this is an opportunity for the two Prime Ministers to take stock of where we are today in terms of our strategic partnership and also to give us directions on the path we want to take ahead," Singh said. He added that India-Australia relations are among the fastest-growing and most consequential partnerships, covering defence, security, trade, investment, clean technologies, and people-to-people connect.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
Singh noted that bilateral trade has grown by 25% since the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) was signed in 2022, reaching approximately 54 billion Australian dollars. However, he emphasized that this is below potential given the size and dynamism of both economies. Negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) are ongoing, with progress expected during the visit. "This visit will be more about reviewing where we are in terms of our trade and investment relationship, and the CECA will open up many vistas for both countries," he added.
Boosting Business and Diaspora Ties
During his visit, PM Modi will address the CEOs' forum, aiming to boost business ties and partnerships in critical minerals and supply chains. He will also address a large community event, highlighting the Indian diaspora's role as a pillar of bilateral relations. People of Indian origin now constitute nearly one million Australians.
Sports and Cricket Diplomacy
PM Modi is expected to visit the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a historic venue for India-Australia cricket matches. The High Commission noted that both nations are looking to partner on various sports aspects.
High-Level Protocol and Quad Cooperation
In a rare departure from protocols, Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn AC will travel to Melbourne to meet PM Modi, signifying the maturity of bilateral relations. The visit is expected to further cement ties between Quad partners, aligning with India's MAHASAGAR and Indo-Pacific vision, bringing new opportunities for Small Island Developing States.
PM Modi is scheduled to arrive in Melbourne later on Wednesday.
