PM Modi Calls for Stronger India-Australia Ties in Melbourne Speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emphasised the need to deepen the strategic partnership between India and Australia, describing the relationship as a 'symbol of our shared confidence' in a speech delivered in Melbourne. Addressing a gathering of Indian diaspora members and business leaders, Modi highlighted the growing convergence of interests between the two democracies, particularly in defence, trade, and technology.

Modi's remarks come during his official visit to Australia, where he is scheduled to attend bilateral meetings and participate in a ceremony marking the opening of a new Indian consulate in Melbourne. The Prime Minister noted that India and Australia share a vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, and that both nations are committed to enhancing cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2020.

'Our partnership is not just about governments; it is about people, businesses, and shared values,' Modi said. He pointed to the strong people-to-people ties, with over 700,000 people of Indian origin living in Australia, and the growing trade relationship, which has exceeded $30 billion annually.

The Prime Minister also highlighted recent achievements, including the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which has boosted bilateral commerce. He urged Australian businesses to invest in India's infrastructure and digital economy, while inviting Australian students and researchers to collaborate with Indian institutions.

In the defence domain, Modi stated that joint military exercises and intelligence-sharing have strengthened security cooperation. He referenced the India-Australia-Japan-USA Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) as a platform for promoting regional stability.

Opposition leaders in Australia have welcomed Modi's visit as a positive step for bilateral relations. However, some human rights organisations have raised concerns about India's domestic policies, though these were not addressed in the Prime Minister's speech.

The visit is expected to conclude with the signing of several agreements on critical minerals, migration, and cultural exchange. The new consulate in Melbourne is set to serve the large Indian community in Victoria state.