Australian PM Praises India Growth, Eyes Modi Visit

Synopsis:  Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praises India’s rapid economic growth and says he looks forward to hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi again, highlighting stronger bilateral and Indo-Pacific cooperation.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has praised India’s accelerating economic growth and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, while expressing enthusiasm about hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi again in the near future. Speaking in the Australian Parliament in Canberra, Albanese described India’s rise as a major opportunity for the Indo-Pacific region and highlighted the expanding strategic partnership between the two nations.

Albanese stated that India, already the world’s most populous country, is expected to emerge as the third-largest economy globally during this decade. He said India’s economic transformation presents “an extraordinary opportunity” not only for Australia but also for the wider Indo-Pacific region. Stressing Australia’s strategic location, Albanese noted that the country identifies itself as both a Pacific and Indian Ocean nation, making cooperation with India increasingly significant.

The Australian Prime Minister also highlighted the growing depth of bilateral relations across trade, education, culture, and sports. He referred to the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), signed in 2022, as a major step that has strengthened commercial engagement between the two countries. Albanese noted that people-to-people connections, educational exchanges, and the shared passion for cricket continue to deepen ties between India and Australia.

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Recalling his personal connection with India, Albanese said he first visited the country as a backpacker in 1991 and has since travelled there twice as Prime Minister. He described India as a country best understood through direct experiences and interactions with its people, praising the warmth and hospitality he encountered during his visits.

Albanese further stated that he would soon have the privilege of hosting Prime Minister Modi in Australia once again, a visit he said he eagerly anticipates. He also acknowledged the contribution of the Indian-Australian community, which he described as the fastest-growing immigrant community in Australia. According to Albanese, the Indian diaspora has made substantial contributions to Australia’s economy, businesses, and multicultural society.

The remarks come shortly after Prime Minister Modi met Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in New Delhi during the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The leaders reviewed progress under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed expanding cooperation in trade, critical minerals, maritime security, education, and Indo-Pacific stability.