Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed the Visitors' Book at the Government House in Melbourne on Thursday, July 9, 2026, in the presence of the Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardner AC. The signing ceremony took place at the official residence of the Governor of Victoria, marking a key moment during Modi's visit to Australia.
Delegation-Level Talks and Bilateral Meetings
This event followed delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during the third Australia-India Annual Leaders' Summit, held at the Government House in Melbourne. Earlier in the day, PM Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Governor Margaret Gardner AC at the same venue. According to the official website of the Governor, Margaret Gardner AC is the 30th Governor of Victoria and the second woman to hold the office. Before 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
Upon arrival 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 both present to receive the Prime Minister at the ceremonial venue, where all three greeted each other before the ceremony. Prior to this, PM Modi addressed business leaders at the India-Australia CEO Forum and Economic Roadmap Business Reception in Melbourne, also attended by Prime Minister Albanese.
Clean Energy and Economic Cooperation
Highlighting India's clean energy ambitions, PM Modi 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." PM Modi also underscored the impact of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) on bilateral economic relations. He said, "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."
Arrival in Australia and Community Welcome
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Australia on Wednesday during the second leg of his three-nation visit to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand. He was accorded a grand welcome by the Indian community, marked by cultural performances showcasing the shared heritage between the two countries.
