By Soniya:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day official visit to Australia with the announcement of 18 major agreements and strategic initiatives, significantly strengthening the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During the Third Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit in Melbourne, PM Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled a broad roadmap covering defence, nuclear energy, maritime security, cyber security, critical minerals, clean energy, education, research, skill development, and cultural cooperation.
The visit comes at a time of growing geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and highlights both nations’ commitment to promoting a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific while expanding economic and strategic cooperation.
Major Outcomes of the Visit
1. Uranium Supply to Strengthen India’s Nuclear Energy
One of the biggest achievements was the operationalisation of the India-Australia Civil Nuclear Agreement, enabling Australia to supply uranium for India’s peaceful nuclear energy programme. The arrangement builds upon the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signed in 2014 and will support India’s clean energy transition.
2. Defence and Security Cooperation Expanded
India and Australia signed a Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation (JDDSC), replacing the earlier 2009 declaration. The agreement aims to deepen cooperation in:
- Defence interoperability
- Maritime security
- Defence industrial collaboration
- Cyber security
- Counter-terrorism
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
Both countries also agreed to enhance military exchanges and defence technology collaboration.
3. Maritime Security Roadmap
The leaders launched the Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap (MSCR) to improve cooperation in the Indo-Pacific through:
- Information sharing
- Maritime domain awareness
- Joint operational coordination
- Capacity building
An MoU was also signed between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Australia’s Maritime Border Command (MBC).
4. Cyber Security and Critical Technologies
India and Australia announced the Partnership for Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS), focusing on:
- Cyber security
- Critical technologies
- Artificial Intelligence
- Supply chain resilience
- Critical minerals
- Digital innovation
The partnership builds upon the 2020 Cyber Cooperation Framework.
5. Education and Skill Development
Australia announced the establishment of two university campuses in India:
- Flinders University – Bengaluru
- Victoria University – Gurugram
To strengthen vocational education, both countries signed agreements to:
- Establish a Centre of Excellence in Mining and Mining Equipment Technology at NSTI Bhubaneswar.
- Improve Technical and Vocational Education through collaboration between NCVET and Australia’s ASQA.
6. Renewable Energy Collaboration
Both countries operationalised the Rooftop Solar Training Academy, which aims to train nearly 2,000 women and youth as solar technicians and installers, supporting India’s renewable energy goals under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana.
7. Science, Innovation and Research
Several new partnerships were announced, including:
- Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership.
- Collaboration between Geoscience Australia and the Geological Survey of India.
- CSIR partnership with the University of Melbourne for drug discovery research.
- Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) cooperation with IP Australia.
- Collaboration between Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) and Griffith Film School.
8. Return of Ancient Indian Artefacts
Australia returned three priceless Indian antiquities dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, including:
- Sacred Bull Nandi
- Trident with Goddess Kali
- Six-headed Skanda (Kartikeya)
The move further strengthens cultural cooperation between both nations.
9. Defence Training Cooperation
Australia invited an Indian military instructor to serve at the Australian Defence College during 2028–29, reflecting increasing defence trust between the two countries.
PM Modi’s Key Remarks
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the growing partnership through several memorable statements:
- “We Indians are like sugar in milk—we make it sweeter wherever we go.”
- “Ek aur ek do nahi, gyarah hote hain,” (“1+1 is 11”) describing the strength of India-Australia cooperation.
- “When India extends a helping hand, it does not look at the colour of the passport.”
- “Cricket is the diplomatic language of India and Australia.”
- He also highlighted India’s achievements in 5G expansion, Made-in-India 6G technology, and the country’s growing defence capabilities.
Minor Protest During the Visit
A far-right anti-immigration protester briefly shouted slogans against Indian migration from inside PM Modi’s hotel in Melbourne. Australian police promptly removed the individual, and the incident did not disrupt the Prime Minister’s engagements or community events.
Why This Visit Matters
The Australia visit marks one of the most significant milestones in India-Australia relations. The 18 agreements strengthen cooperation in defence, nuclear energy, cyber security, education, maritime security, clean energy, research, and critical minerals. As both countries are key members of the Quad, the agreements reinforce their shared commitment to regional stability, resilient supply chains, and a secure Indo-Pacific.
