 "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday. ANI")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held bilateral talks with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of the G20 Summit and reflected on the progress of India-Australia ties, describing their meeting as “very productive” at the second India-Australia Annual Summit.
PM Modi emphasised the growing strength of the two nations’ ties, pointing to their 11th meeting in just two years as a symbol of the new energy in their bilateral relations.
“After the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) came into force, our bilateral trade has surged by 40% in the last two years. In the area of defence, through joint exercises exchanged between young officers…our relations have seen a new impetus…,” said PM Modi.
PM Modi praised Albanese’s commitment to supporting the Indian community in Australia, especially Indian students, reaffirming their shared commitment to fostering greater ties.
“PM Albanese has assured me of his commitment to the Indian community, especially Indian students in Australia… We agree on the need to reform the international institutions…,” said the Prime Minister.
PM Modi also announced that PM Albanese has accepted India’s invitation to attend the upcoming QUAD Summit in India next year, underscoring the significance of the Indo-Pacific partnership.
PM Albanese highlighted the vast potential in the relationship between Australia and India during bilateral talks, announcing the launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership.
“There is so much potential in the relationship between Australia and India… I am delighted to welcome the launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership. This is a significant milestone in our cooperation,” said PM Albanese.
“Our new partnership will boost two-way investment in renewable energy… One of the key early projects under the partnership is the establishment next year of the India Australia Rooftop Solar Academy. Australia will partner with India’s Skill Council for Green Jobs and the Private sector to train 2000 young Indian technicians on solar PV…,” added the PM.
Meanwhile, PM Modi also had an “outstanding meeting” with President Javier Milei of Argentina.
“India cherishes the close friendship with Argentina. Our Strategic Partnership marks 5 years, adding immense vibrancy to bilateral relations. We talked about enhancing ties in energy, defence production, trade and culture,” PM Modi posted on X.
With inputs from agencies