Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met today in Sydney for bilateral discussions that deepened the friendship between our two nations.
The Australia-India relationship is already strong, but we both see potential for growth and an opportunity shape a better future for our region.
The meeting built on the outcomes from the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit in March and reinforced their commitment to an open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific.
The leaders discussed the strength of the bilateral trade, investment and business relationship and reiterated their shared ambition for an early conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.
Further reinforcing the economic and people to people ties between our two countries, the leaders announced the finalisation of the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement, which will promote the two-way mobility of students, graduates, academic researchers and business people, while also enhancing cooperation to prevent irregular migration and people smuggling.
The Prime Ministers welcomed progress towards establishing an Australia-India Green Hydrogen Taskforce and today announce the Terms of Reference for the Australia-India Green Hydrogen Taskforce have been agreed.
Prime Minister Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that the new Centre for Australia-India Relations will be head-quartered in Parramatta. The Centre began operations this month and will drive deeper engagement with India through business, policy and cultural activities and work with Indian diaspora communities. The Centre will be led by Chair Swati Dave and CEO Tim Thomas.
Prime Minister Albanese also announced the establishment of the new Australian Consulate-General in Bengaluru. Expanding Australia’s diplomatic footprint to Bengaluru will connect Australian businesses to India’s booming digital economy and innovation ecosystem, and reinforce our growing links in science and technology. Prime Minister Albanese welcomed India’s plans for a Consulate-General in Brisbane.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Modi celebrated Australia’s valued Indian diaspora communities at a community event at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. In recognition of the important contributions of the Indian diaspora to Australia’s rich multicultural society, the leaders unveiled a plaque for the foundation stone of a “Little India” gateway for Harris Park.
The leaders also welcomed the City of Perth and Western Australian Government’s decision to rename a road along Perth’s Swan River in recognition of Private Nain Singh Sailani, one of 12 known ANZACs from the Indian community who fought in the Australian Imperial Force during the First World War.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:
“Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Australia has strengthened the close and strong relationship that Australia enjoys with India.”
“This is a relationship we need to invest in. Our strong partnership with India will deliver benefits for Australia in trade, investment and business, and in regional security and stability.”
“In my first year as Prime Minister, I have met with Prime Minister Modi six times, which underscores the value we place on deepening ties between our nations.”
“Australia is a better place because of the contributions of Indian-Australian community, and we want to see more connections between our countries.”