Melbourne [Australia], July 9 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, wrapped up the Third Australia-India Annual Summit in Melbourne, revealing a broad agenda aimed at enhancing cooperation in areas such as defense, security, trade, energy, critical technologies, education, and global governance. Both leaders reiterated their dedication to a ‘free, open, rules-based, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.’
Taking place from July 8-10, the summit was characterized by both nations as a pivotal moment in advancing the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). A joint statement emphasized the strong rapport between Prime Ministers Modi and Albanese, which has developed over the years and acts as a driving force behind their strategic partnership.
The leaders committed to furthering the CSP to address ’emerging challenges in a rapidly evolving global environment.’ They introduced the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, which they termed a significant enhancement of the bilateral defense and security relationship.
Defense collaboration was highlighted as a fundamental aspect of the partnership, leading to the establishment of an Annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogue to fortify strategic discussions.
The summit prominently featured maritime security, with the introduction of the ‘India-Australia Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap.’ The leaders stressed the necessity of effective maritime cooperation for regional security, announcing a Memorandum of Understanding between Australia’s Maritime Border Command and the Indian Coast Guard aimed at improving interoperability. They also committed to continuing the ‘General Rawat India-Australia Young Officers’ Exchange Program,’ placing an Indian military instructor at the Australian Defence College by 2028-29, and developing a bilateral defense innovation framework linking industry and research entities.
On the economic front, the leaders acknowledged the ongoing growth in bilateral trade facilitated by the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). They expressed their commitment to advancing a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) that is ambitious, balanced, and mutually beneficial in order to tap into the full potential of their economic ties.
Industrial collaboration was another focal point, with leaders recognizing the synergies between India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and Australia’s ‘Future Made in Australia’ policy. They emphasized that ‘transparent, secure and resilient supply chains are central to our economic security,’ especially concerning critical minerals and advanced manufacturing.
Energy security emerged as a significant outcome of the summit, with leaders discussing the potential for strengthening uranium exports from Australia to India to support its ambitious goal of generating 1,000 gigawatts by 2047. They welcomed the completion of the Administrative Arrangement under the Australia-India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, which would facilitate long-term uranium exports to India for peaceful purposes under IAEA safeguards.
The summit also saw a reaffirmation of support for the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership, including initiatives like the Rooftop Solar Academy, while both parties reiterated that the Paris Agreement should embody ‘equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.’
Additionally, the leaders launched the Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS) to enhance collaboration on critical technologies, supply chain diversification, cyber security, digital resilience, and defense research.
Cooperation in the space sector was also welcomed, including Australian support for India’s Gaganyaan Human Space Flight Programme through a temporary space tracking terminal located on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
People-to-people connections were underscored as essential to the bilateral relationship, with Prime Minister Albanese noting the value of Indian students in Australian educational environments. They applauded the establishment of campuses by Flinders University in Bengaluru and Victoria University in Gurugram, along with a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Mining in Odisha. The importance of sports was highlighted as a ‘vital component of our bilateral relationship,’ with an eye toward the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad and the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.
The leaders also committed to the ‘protection and preservation of cultural heritage,’ which includes the voluntary and unconditional repatriation of First Nations ancestral remains from India and Telugu remains from Australia.
In terms of global governance, Australia reiterated its support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on a reformed UN Security Council. Both nations promised mutual backing for each other’s non-permanent memberships on the UN Security Council for the 2028-2030 term, emphasizing that the United Nations should better represent ‘contemporary geopolitical realities.’
The leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and expressions, denouncing the recent horrific attacks at Pahalgam and Bondi Beach, and called for decisive action against UN-designated terrorist groups.
They expressed grave concern regarding escalating tensions in West Asia and the ‘tragic humanitarian consequences’ stemming from the conflict in Ukraine, urging for restraint, diplomacy, and adherence to international law. The leaders reaffirmed their support for ASEAN’s central role and the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
As the summit concluded, the leaders expressed their satisfaction with the achievements made under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reiterated their commitment to fostering a ‘free, open, rules-based, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific,’ characterizing their relationship as a ‘strong strategic partnership’ that has experienced a significant increase in ambition and scope.
