Indian PM Narendra Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese reiterated their resolve to ensure a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region based on a rules-based international order, and committed to taking the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to newer heights during their recent bilateral talks in Sydney on Wednesday.
Sydney turning it up for Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi 🇦🇺🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/iSQYYyMYsb
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) May 24, 2023
Overview
The Indian PM was given a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour upon arriving in Australia.
The two leaders held comprehensive and wide-ranging talks with each other. Their discussions focussed on cooperation in defence and security, trade and investment, new and renewable energy, green hydrogen, and critical minerals.
Albanese said that Australia and India have a strong friendship, and with PM Modi, he aims to strengthen the ties further. He said that both countries are working together to boost renewable energy.
The two leaders welcomed signing of the India-Australia Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA). MMPA includes a new skilled pathway called MATES (Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals Scheme), created especially for India.
The Australian PM remarked that the two countries would raise the number of graduates and young professionals studying and living in each other’s countries.
The two countries also finalised the terms of reference of the India-Australia Hydrogen Task Force. They decided to focus on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) to give new dimensions to trade.
In a Joint Press Meeting by the two leaders, Modi remarked that the India-Australia cooperation could benefit the Global South.
Modi also thanked Albanese for taking action on the issue of attacks on Hindu temples and the rising activities of separatist anti-India, pro-Khalistan elements in Australia.
Interacted with top CEOs during the business roundtable in Sydney. Elaborated on the business opportunities in India and the reform trajectory of our Government. Invited Australian businesses to invest in India. pic.twitter.com/vxxCY3P5ez
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 24, 2023
Modi Meets Australian Leaders, Invites Businesses to Invest in India
The Indian PM met the Australian Governor General David Hurley and discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral partnership.
Additionally, Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton called upon Modi and discussed regional aspects and people-to-people linkages between the two countries.
Addressing a Business Roundtable with top Australian CEOs in Sydney, Modi invited them to take advantage of investment opportunities in India in the domains of infrastructure, clean technology, and agriculture, among others.
At the meeting, the Indian PM also highlighted the various schemes of the Indian government aimed at boosting the ease of doing business in the country.
This was the sixth meeting of Modi and Albanese in the past year and is indicative of the growing ties between India and Australia.