Strengthening their strategic ties, India and Australia agreed on 18 key agreements and initiatives covering uranium cooperation, defence, maritime security, cyber technology, energy, education, and counter-terrorism. These outcomes were announced following bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Boosting Uranium and Energy Cooperation
Both nations agreed on the effective implementation of the India-Australia Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement and the advancement of uranium cooperation. Additionally, a decision was made to strengthen partnerships in the sectors of energy security and critical minerals.
New Partnership on Cyber and Supply Chains
Under the Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies, and Supply Chains (PACTS), India and Australia agreed to enhance cooperation in cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and the creation of resilient supply chains.
Joint Action Against Terrorism
Both countries decided to further strengthen cooperation against terrorism and violent extremism. This includes sharing intelligence on terrorist threats and working together to combat terror financing, online radicalisation, threats to critical infrastructure, and the misuse of new technologies.
Humanitarian Assistance and Maritime Cooperation
India and Australia also agreed to expand cooperation in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) through joint military exercises, expert exchanges, information sharing, and the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network.
Shared Commitment to Peace in the Indo-Pacific
Both leaders reiterated their support for regional organisations such as ASEAN, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). They also expressed a commitment to maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region in collaboration with the US, Japan, and other partner nations.
New Dimension to Defence Cooperation
As part of defence cooperation, Australia extended an invitation to appoint an Indian military instructor at the Australian Defence College in 2028-29. Both nations also agreed to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the supply of defence equipment and services and to enhance cooperation between their defence industries.
Strengthening Education, Research, and Cultural Ties
Decisions were also taken during the meeting to boost cooperation in education and research, the establishment of Australian university campuses in India, critical minerals, cultural exchanges, and innovation.
PM Modi Expresses Confidence
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the agreements reached during the visit reflect the growing trust and commitment to a shared future between India and Australia. Writing on the social media platform X, he affirmed that both nations would continue to move forward together to create new opportunities for growth, innovation, and shared prosperity. Both leaders noted that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership symbolises the deepening trust between India and Australia, and pledged to continue working together to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
PM Modi to Visit New Zealand After Australia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Australia for the second leg of his three-nation tour. Following his visit to Australia, he will travel to New Zealand for the next phase of his trip.
