India and Australia deepen defence, trade and minerals ties during Modi's visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Melbourne for the Australia leg of his three‑nation tour, meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the India‑Australia Annual Leaders’ Summit. The leaders adopted a new Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, signed a uranium supply agreement and agreed to enhance maritime security and information sharing. They also announced a critical minerals corridor to secure supply chains for clean‑energy technologies.

Modi highlighted India's rapid progress in 5G, emerging 6G research, and its expanding space programme. He praised the Indian diaspora’s role in strengthening bilateral relations. The visit followed a recent stop in Indonesia, where India expanded defence cooperation, including the potential supply of BrahMos missiles and received Indonesia’s highest civilian honour. Together, the trips signal a deepening strategic partnership between India, Australia and Indonesia across defence, trade, energy and advanced technology sectors.