MELBOURNE, July 9/INDIAN ABROAD NEWSDESK
Australia and India have unveiled an ambitious roadmap to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, announcing new defence, maritime, economic, technology and education initiatives during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Melbourne while reaffirming their commitment to a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
The outcomes of the Third Australia–India Annual Summit, held between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflected the broadening scope of bilateral ties that now extend from defence and critical minerals to artificial intelligence, cyber security, renewable energy, education and sport.
Addressing nearly 30,000 members of the Indian diaspora at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium after the summit, Modi described the Indian community as the strongest bridge between the two nations and said the growing relationship had been built on the contribution of Australians of Indian origin.
“The credit for the remarkable growth in Australia–India relations does not belong to Modi,” he told the audience. “It belongs to every member of the Indian diaspora.”
Using a metaphor that drew loud applause, Modi said Indians blend into Australian society while preserving their identity.
“Just as sugar dissolves in milk and makes it sweeter, Indians spread love wherever they go,” he said. “The milk may be Australian, but the tea is Indian. The vegetables and lentils may come from Australia, but they are cooked with Indian spices.”
He also joked about Melbourne’s Indian shopping precincts, saying that even people who entered without intending to buy anything often returned home with shopping bags because of attractive sales.
Referring to the deepening relationship between the two countries, Modi noted that Ahmedabad, home to the world’s largest cricket stadium, and Melbourne, home to one of cricket’s iconic venues, symbolised another sporting connection linking Australia and India.
During the summit, the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to respond to emerging regional and global challenges.
Defence cooperation featured prominently in the discussions.
The leaders announced a new Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, describing defence as a cornerstone of bilateral relations. An Annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogue will be established to strengthen policy coordination while military exercises, logistics cooperation and interoperability between the armed forces will be expanded.
