PM Modi Meets Australian PM Albanese in Melbourne, Calls Ties 'Natural and Trusted Partnership'
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Melbourne on 9 July as part of his three-nation tour covering Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. There, he met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and the two leaders took part in a business event bringing together top company leaders from both countries.
Speaking at this event, Modi called India and Australia natural and trusted partners. He said that with the world facing uncertainty, disrupted supply chains and an energy crisis, it made sense for the two nations to work more closely together.
Modi's remarks came on the same day the United States carried out fresh military strikes on Iran, aimed at protecting free movement of ships through a key waterway used for global oil shipments. This action followed attacks on commercial ships passing through the region, adding to the broader sense of global instability that Modi referenced in his speech.
Modi pointed to a trade agreement signed by India and Australia in 2022 as proof that the partnership was already delivering results. He said that since this agreement took effect, India's exports to Australia have doubled, and companies in both countries have gained better access to each other's markets.
Before the business event, Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian community in Australia, including a musical performance of the patriotic song 'Maa Tujhe Salaam' by a local orchestra. Modi said the performance showed how music connects people across countries, especially since 2026 marks 150 years since the writing of Vande Mataram, the source poem behind the song.
This Australia stop is the second part of Modi's three-nation trip, following his visit to Indonesia. During his three days in Australia, Modi and Albanese are set to discuss cooperation on defence, security, trade, investment, education and stronger ties between citizens of both nations. Modi had earlier said the visit would also focus on emerging technologies and sports science.
After finishing his engagements in Australia, Modi will travel to New Zealand, the last stop on his three-nation tour.
Why it matters
This visit signals India's push to strengthen ties with a key Indo-Pacific partner at a time when global trade routes and energy supplies are under strain, partly due to conflicts like the one involving Iran and shipping lanes near the Strait of Hormuz. Highlighting the success of the 2022 trade agreement shows India's strategy of using economic partnerships to build resilience against global shocks, while deepening cooperation with Australia also has implications for regional security and technology partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
Test yourself
1. Where did PM Modi meet Australian PM Anthony Albanese?
2. What phrase did PM Modi use to describe India-Australia relations?
3. Which global challenges did Modi cite as reasons for deeper India-Australia cooperation?
4. What trade agreement between India and Australia did Modi highlight?
5. According to Modi, what impact has the ECTA had on Indian exports to Australia?
6. What action did the US take on the same day as Modi's remarks?
7. Why did the US strikes on Iran occur, according to CENTCOM?
8. What cultural performance highlighted India-Australia ties during Modi's visit?
9. Which anniversary did Modi mention in connection with Vande Mataram?
10. What was the next destination after Modi's visit to Australia?
Your notes
Source: Mint