India-Australia ties deepen: PM Modi, Albanese seal defence pacts at Melbourne cricket visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese visited the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday, in a display of the sporting bond between the two nations. The leaders signed jerseys of young cricketers and posed with Australia's official mascot, 'Ruby the Roo'. Former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh also met PM Modi at the stadium.

'Stepping into the MCG evokes two simultaneous emotions for any Indian. First, the thrill of an India-Australia match and second, the realisation that, in both our nations, cricket is not merely a sport but a shared passion. Yet, today, there is no pressure of a 'last-over finish.' Instead, there is only the joy of the game, the warmth of our friendship, and the energy of future champions,' PM Modi said.

Earlier, PM Modi met Angus Taylor, Leader of the Opposition of Australia, for talks on the growing strength of India-Australia ties. In a post on X, he said: 'Met Mr. Angus Taylor, Leader of the Opposition of Australia. We had an engaging conversation on the growing strength of India-Australia ties and the many opportunities ahead. I deeply value the warmth and broad support that our partnership enjoys across Australia.'

India and Australia elevated their strategic partnership by adopting the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation (JDDSC) and the Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap (MSCR). They also agreed to operationalise their civil nuclear agreement to facilitate uranium exports to India.

These agreements were among 18 major outcomes announced after the Third India-Australia Annual Summit. The pacts cover defence, maritime security, energy, cyber and critical technologies, education, mining, research, and cultural cooperation, marking a significant expansion of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the adoption of the JDDSC and the maritime roadmap reflected the need for the bilateral partnership to adapt to evolving geopolitical realities. 'These constitute recognition that the partnership must evolve to meet changing strategic circumstances, and they reflect a commitment to advancing our defence and security partnership,' Misri said.