Your Excellency, Prime Minister Albanese,
Delegates from both countries,
Friends from the media,

Namaskar!

I express my heartfelt gratitude to my friend Prime Minister Albanese for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to me and my delegation in Melbourne.

His personal efforts and commitment have taken India–Australia relations to new heights and expanded the scope of our partnership. I commend him for his valuable contribution.

Friends,

India and Australia are
two vibrant democracies,
two multicultural societies,
and two important ocean powers.

These shared characteristics and our common worldview inspire us to continue moving forward with deep mutual trust. Our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has witnessed unprecedented progress over the past few years. And today, the Third Annual Summit has added several new dimensions to our cooperation.

The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement signed in 2022 has continuously expanded the scope of our trade and investment. We have now decided to work expeditiously towards the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), which will be balanced, ambitious, and a win-win for both countries. We will also move forward swiftly on the Bilateral Investment Treaty.

Our Renewable Energy Partnership is giving concrete shape to our efforts in clean energy and climate action. Under this partnership, we are placing special emphasis on investment, technology transfer, and industry-to-industry collaboration.

To support the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, we have jointly established the Rooftop Solar Training Academy in Gujarat. This academy will contribute to the capacity building of many women and youth.

In the field of nuclear energy, we have reached an important agreement today. This will open the pathway for uranium supply from Australia to India and provide new strength to our clean energy objectives.

Our cooperation in critical minerals is vital for our strategic security and clean energy transition. With this vision, today we launched the Australia–India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies, and Supply Chains (AI-PACCTS). We will also work together on the Critical Minerals Corridor.

Friends,

The Indo-Pacific is not merely the confluence of two oceans. It is also a symbol of the shared aspirations of like-minded democracies such as India and Australia.

To enhance our cooperation in defence and security, today we have issued an important Joint Declaration. Through the India–Australia Defence Innovation Corridor, we will work towards connecting defence startups and industries.

Our Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap will provide new strength to our shared efforts in the Indo-Pacific. We will also move forward together in areas such as shipbuilding, ship repair, and maintenance.

Friends,

Today, we also held extensive discussions on several regional and international issues.

India and Australia believe that terrorism is not a challenge for any one country alone, but a serious threat to the entire humanity. Therefore, our fight against terrorism is shared, our resolve is unwavering, and our cooperation continues to grow stronger.

We also believe that the resolution of the tensions and conflicts ongoing in various parts of the world is possible only through dialogue and diplomacy. Across the entire Indo-Pacific region, we will work together to further strengthen peace, stability, freedom of navigation, and the rules-based order.

Friends,

The most distinctive strength of our relationship is our people-to-people ties. People of Indian origin are making positive contributions to Australia’s economic and social life.

Australia has been a preferred destination for Indian students. The opening of Australian university campuses in India has added a new chapter to our knowledge partnership. We will continue our efforts to enhance exchanges between students, professionals, and tourists of both countries.

Friends,

Today, as we are in Melbourne, the sporting capital of the world, not talking about sports would be like not starting a cricket match after the toss!

Cricket is the unique diplomatic language of India-Australia relations. That is why our meetings also feel like cricket matches:

Agenda — focused like a One-Day match,

Decisions — as fast as a T20,

and our partnership — as long-lasting and deep as a Test match.

In the coming years, both countries will host major sporting events such as the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. This will not only enhance our sports cooperation but also create numerous opportunities for investment in sports infrastructure.

Friends,

The message from our discussions today has been clear: the India–Australia partnership is not only a partnership of the present, but also a partnership for the future. We will continue to move forward together on the foundation of our shared vision.

Prime Minister Albanese,

I once again express my gratitude for your friendship, your commitment, and the meaningful discussions we had today.

I, along with 1.4 billion Indians, look forward to welcoming you to India once again at the earliest opportunity.

Thank you very much.

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister's address. Original address was delivered in Hindi.

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MJPS/SS/ST