PM Modi, Albanese ink big deal; Australia to supply uranium in big boost to India’s clean energy goals

In a big boost to India’s clean energy goals, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that Australia will supply uranium to India after the two countries signed a key agreement in the field of nuclear energy. During his address with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne, PM Modi said that the nuclear energy agreement would give new momentum to New Delhi’s clean energy goals."

He also welcomed the India-Australia strategic security partnership as the two countries agreed on a pact for supply of uranium and critical minerals. PM Modi added, “These agreements will be important for India’s strategic security and clean energy transition.

PM Modi said, “Today, as we are in Melbourne, the sporting capital of the world, not talking about sports would be like winning the toss in a cricket match but never starting the game. Cricket is a diplomatic language in India-Australia relations. In many ways our meetings are like a game of cricket. Our agenda is as sharp as a One Day International, our decisions as fast as a T20 match and our partnership as long and as deep as a Test match. In the coming years, both our countries will be hosting major sporting events such as the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games. “This will not only improve our cooperation in the field of sport but also provide many opportunities for investment in sports infrastructure.

"Today we have signed an important agreement in the nuclear energy sector," PM Modi said while addressing the joint press meet with PM Albanese. This will open the door for Australia to supply uranium to India and this will lend new strength to our drive for clean energy. Our collaboration on critical minerals is key to our strategic security and clean energy transition. “We will also develop a critical mineral corridor,” he said.

As part of his three-nation visit, PM Modi earlier in the day joined Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the India-Australia CEO Forum and Economic Roadmap Business Reception to boost bilateral trade and strategic ties in the second leg of his trip.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, “Your presence here is a symbol of our shared confidence and shared aspirations. The world today is experiencing uncertainty, disruption of supply chains and an energy crisis. India and Australia need to and are naturally moving forward as trusted partners at such a time. “By combining the capabilities of both countries over the past few years, we have established a strong foundation for future cooperation.

On arriving in Australia on Wednesday after concluding his visit to Indonesia, the Prime Minister was given a grand reception by the Indian diaspora in Melbourne.

The event was marked by colourful cultural performances which reflected the strong cultural affinity between India and Australia.The cultural evening too had a key highlight with the presentation of Maa Tujhe Salaam by the Australian-Indian Orchestra.

PM Modi posted a clip of the event on social media platform X, and called the performance "wonderful", saying it demonstrated how music enriches the bond between the people of both countries.

The performance also brought out the universal appeal of Vande Mataram, particularly as India celebrates the 150th year of the historic song, he added.

PM Modi also witnessed a rare musical combination of the traditional Australian didgeridoo and Indian tabla performed by Ron Murray and Dr Sam Evans.The Prime Minister said the performance was a reflection of the deep cultural ties between the two countries and congratulated the musicians for keeping their traditional art forms alive.