Stronger ties and friendship between Australia and India

This week, Prime Minister Albanese welcomed the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, to Australia as a guest of the Australian Government.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Australia marked the sixth meeting between the leaders in the past year and demonstrated the growing maturity of Australia and India's bilateral relationship. The visit built on the success of the Prime Minister's visit to India in March for the Australia-India Annual Leaders' Summit in New Delhi and discussions at the G7 Summit and Quad Leaders' meeting in Hiroshima over the weekend of 20-21 May.

At their bilateral meeting, the leaders discussed the Australia-India economic relationship, including efforts to boost trade between the two countries through a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.

Further reinforcing the strong bonds between the people of Australia and India, the leaders announced the finalisation of the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement, which will promote the mobility of students, graduates, academic researchers and business people, while also enhancing cooperation to prevent irregular migration and people smuggling

The Prime Ministers announced the Terms of Reference for an Australia-India Green Hydrogen Taskforce.

During the visit, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the launch of operations of the Centre for Australia-India Relations, to behead quartered in Parramatta. The Centre will drive deeper engagement with India through business, policy and cultural activities and work with Indian diaspora communities. The Centre will be led by Chair Swati Dave and CEO Tim Thomas.

Prime Minister Albanese also announced the establishment of the new Australian Consulate-General in Bengaluru, which will connect Australian businesses to India's booming digital economy and innovation ecosystem and reinforce our growing links in science and technology. The Prime Minister also welcomed India's plans for a Consulate-General in Brisbane.

The leaders were also able to celebrate and connect with Australia's valued Indian diaspora at a community event at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. The leaders unveiled a plague for a foundation stone of a "Little India" gateway for Harris Park highlighting the contribution of the Indian diaspora to the rich cultural diversity of western Sydney.

The Prime Minister plans to visit India in September for the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi, the world's premier forum for economic cooperation.