MODI-ALBANESE
India and Australia by their actions or thoughts. I thank the prime minister for the actions that have already been taken. Prime Minister Albanese has once again assured me today that he will take strict actions against such elements in the future also,” Modi said.
Modi had first raised the matter during Albanese’s visit to India in March for an annual bilateral summit, after pro-Khalistan elements vandalised several temples in Australia, organised protests in key cities such as Sydney and Brisbane and targeted members of the Indian community while running a campaign in support of a so-called referendum on Khalistan. At that time, Albanese had said that Australia wouldn’t tolerate any “extreme actions and attacks” on religious buildings.
The Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement is aimed at promoting the twoway exchange of students, graduates, researchers and businesspeople, and expanding peopleto-people ties. Albanese said it will also enhance cooperation in preventing people smuggling.
In a reference to the key role of the 750,000-strong Indian diaspora in Australia, Modi added: “This will further strengthen our living bridge.”
The two leaders witnessed the signing of the terms of reference for a Green Hydrogen Taskforce, which will comprise Australian and Indian experts in renewable hydrogen and report to the ministerial energy dialogue on opportunities for cooperation in this key area of renewable energy.
Albanese said renewable energy was an important topic in Wednesday’s discussions. Modi added that the two sides also discussed ways to strengthen strategic cooperation in mining and critical minerals. “We identified concrete areas for cooperation...in the renewable energy sector,” he said. During the media interaction, both Modi and Albanese noted they had met six times over the past year and said this reflects the strength of the bilateral relationship. Pointing to the depth in comprehensive relations and convergence in views, Modi said: “In the language of cricket, our ties have entered the T20 mode.”
Modi added, “As you [Albanese] said [on Tuesday], our democratic values are the foundation of our ties. Our relations are based on mutual trust and respect.”
Albanese announced the establishment of a new Australian consulate in Bengaluru to connect Australian businesses to India’s digital and innovation ecosystem, and welcomed India’s plans to set up a consulate in Brisbane. The consulate in Bengaluru will be Australia’s fifth diplomatic mission in India.
He also said the new Centre for Australia-India Relations has begun operations under its CEO Tim Thomas and will be based in the Sydney suburb of Parramatta. Th centre will drive engagement through business, policy and cultural activities and work with the Indian diaspora in Australia.
Modi emphasised that the scope of India-Australia ties is not limited to the two countries as it is also “linked to regional stability, peace and global welfare”. He said, “India-Australia cooperation can be beneficial for the growth of the Global South also. The Indian tradition of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ that views the entire world as one family is the central theme of India’s G20 presidency.”
Albanese said the leaders of Quad, which includes Japan and the US, stand together for an open, stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, where “sovereignty is respected, and all countries large and small benefit from a regional balance that keeps the peace”.
Australia was the last leg of Modi’s three-nation tour that also took him to Japan, where he joined outreach sessions of the G7 Summit, and to Papua New Guinea for a summit with leaders of 14 Pacific Island states. Modi will also meet Australia’s governor general and leader of opposition and participate in a business roundtable on Wednesday.