Live: PM Modi in Australia: India and Australia launch new defence declaration to strengthen Indo-Pacific partnership

On July 9, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Sam Mostyn, the Governor-General of Australia, in Melbourne. The Indian delegation accompanying him included National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior representatives. Earlier that day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India and Australia had signed a historic atomic cooperation agreement, introducing a critical strategic nuclear element to their fast-growing bilateral relations. PM Modi landed in Melbourne on July 8, 2026, for this vital second segment of his three-country tour, where he was greeted with a magnificent ceremonial welcome at the airport following a highly successful trip to Indonesia.

On the afternoon of July 9, PM Modi engaged in extensive talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne. Through a social media post, PM Modi stated that the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2022 has consistently broadened the horizon of bilateral cooperation. He added that, building on the remarkable strides made over the last few years, both nations have now resolved to fast-track efforts on the CECA.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi likened the bilateral discussions between India and Australia to the various formats of cricket, showcasing the vibrant and diverse dimensions of the relationship shared by the two countries.

Following deliberations with Australian PM Anthony Albanese, PM Modi declared a crucial pact on nuclear energy that will allow Australia to supply uranium to India. PM Modi stated, "An essential agreement concerning nuclear energy has been finalized by India and Australia. This nuclear energy pact will make it possible for Australia to export uranium to India." He further mentioned that the two nations are set to collaborate on developing a corridor for critical minerals.

Speaking at a joint press briefing alongside Australia's PM Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the two nations have issued a joint declaration aimed at broadening their security and defence collaboration. Modi remarked, "Through the India-Australia defence innovation corridor, we will strive to promote partnerships between the defence manufacturing sectors of our countries." "We share a common battle against terror, our determination remains steadfast, and our mutual cooperation is growing stronger by the day," he added. In response to these developments, PM Albanese commented, "Both of our nations are focused on diversifying India-Australia relations to ensure they continue to strengthen further."

Sources indicate that India and Australia are poised to introduce multiple programs designed to bolster partnerships in critical minerals, energy security, and defence. In the defence arena, the two nations are expected to launch a defence innovation corridor that will foster synergy between manufacturers and startups, while a joint defence declaration is anticipated to enhance industrial synergy and the interoperability of their respective militaries. According to insider reports, both governments are likely to strengthen their ties by working together on supplying uranium for India's domestic civil nuclear projects, alongside boosting the import of coal, LNG, and diesel from Australia to broaden India's energy resources.

While attending the third Australia-India Annual Leaders' Summit held at Government House in Melbourne, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks at the delegation level with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal were present alongside the Prime Minister during these discussions. Prior to this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Margaret Gardner AC, the Governor of Victoria, for a bilateral discussion at Government House in Melbourne, which serves as the Governor's official residence.

As part of his trip to Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the former Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, noting that they shared an "excellent discussion" regarding the bilateral relationship between India and Australia.

During his ongoing official trip, Prime Minister Modi was greeted with a ceremonial welcome and presented with a Guard of Honour in Australia's capital. The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was on site to welcome his Indian counterpart at the venue, where both leaders exchanged pleasantries before the official ceremony commenced. Before this event, PM Modi spoke to corporate executives at the India-Australia CEO Forum and Economic Roadmap Business Reception in Melbourne, which was also attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Emphasizing India's plans for clean energy, PM Modi remarked, "Numerous firms working in the clean energy domain are represented here. In India, we are establishing a comprehensive manufacturing network for wind turbines, solar modules, green hydrogen, and hydroelectric projects. India aims to develop 500 gigawatts of green energy capacity by the year 2030 and targets net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. The resources, investment capital, and technological expertise of Australia can help speed up this shift."

On Thursday (July 9, 2026), Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the India-Australia CEO Forum and Economic Roadmap Business Reception. This event is part of initiatives to enhance bilateral trade and strategic alliances during the second leg of his three-country tour. In his speech to the attendees, PM Modi expressed, "Your participation here reflects our mutual trust and common goals. Currently, the international community is experiencing a phase of volatility, disruptions in supply chains, and an energy crisis. Under these conditions, it is appropriate and vital for India and Australia to progress together as reliable and natural allies. In recent years, we have established a robust foundation for future partnerships by bringing together the strengths of our two nations."