Melbourne:As part of his three-nation tour, PM Modi on Thursday met his Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in Melbourne during the second leg of his three-nation visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. The meeting comes after PM Modi arrived in Australia on Wednesday and was accorded a grand welcome by the Indian community, marked by cultural performances showcasing the shared heritage between the two countries.
During the meeting, PM Modi said, "... The world is going through a period of uncertainty, disruption of supply chains and energy crisis. At such times, it is natural and necessary that India and Australia move ahead as natural and trusted partners.” In the past few years, we have built a solid base for our future cooperation, leveraging the strengths of both countries. Our economic ties have been further strengthened by the ECTA agreement, which was concluded in record time in 2022. Since its implementation, exports from India to Australia have doubled and businesses in both countries have benefited from new market access...
PM Modi, Albanese to discuss trade and investmentDuring his visit, PM Modi and Albanese are expected to hold wide-ranging talks on strengthening cooperation in defence and security, trade and investment, education, mobility and people-to-people ties.
In his departure statement ahead of the visit, PM Modi had said the Australia visit would also provide an opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation in emerging and critical technologies, sports and sports science. After fulfilling his engagements in Australia, the Prime Minister will head to New Zealand, the last stop on his three-nation tour.
Finalising agreement on uranium exports to IndiaOne report in the Australian Financial Review said an agreement on uranium exports to India could be finalised. The two countries signed a nuclear cooperation pact in 2014, but the export of uranium has been limited over concerns about ensuring nuclear fuel is used only for peaceful purposes, such as energy generation.
It should be noted that India is Australia’s fifth-largest trading partner after China, Japan, the US and South Korea, while around 1 million people in Australia claim Indian ancestry.
PM Modi will also address thousands of Indian expatriates at an event in one of the biggest sports stadiums in Melbourne on Thursday evening. Australian media reported security has been increased around the stadium amid reports of some protests.
PM Modi accorded warm welcomeA highlight of the welcome was a performance by the Australian-India Orchestra performing Maa Tujhe Salaam. PM Modi posted the video of the performance on X and said, “Wonderful to see the Australian-India Orchestra present 'Maa Tujhe Salaam' in such a soulful manner. It was a great illustration of how music is cementing the ties between our peoples."
My compliments to every member of the orchestra for this memorable performance. "It also shows the global popularity of Vande Mataram particularly at a time when we are celebrating its 150th anniversary," he added.
PM Modi also witnessed a musical performance with the ancient Didgeridoo of Australia and Tabla of India, performed by didgeridoo artist Ron Murray and tabla maestro Dr Sam Evans.
PM Modi shared a glimpse of the performance and said, “Witnessed a truly exceptional musical performance of Australia’s ancient Didgeridoo and India’s Tabla. “The synergy between these two timeless instruments beautifully reflected the deep cultural connect between our two nations.”
PM Modi arrived in Australia on WednesdayPM Modi concluded his three-day visit to Indonesia before arriving in Australia where he held talks with President Prabowo Subianto and the two sides signed 14 agreements to enhance cooperation in critical minerals, maritime security and other key sectors. In a special gesture of friendship, President Prabowo saw off PM Modi at the airport.
Mr Modi also visited the stunning Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta with President Prabowo in Indonesia and launched a joint conservation project for this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The last leg of PM Modi’s tour will see him fly from Australia to New Zealand.