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India and Australia signed agreements on civil nuclear energy, maritime security and critical minerals during Modi's Melbourne visit. The deals underline a broader push to deepen Indo-Pacific cooperation while expanding trade, education and cultural ties.
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Newdelhi,UPDATED: Jul 9, 2026 20:18 IST
India and Australia on Thursday sealed a raft of agreements in civil nuclear energy, maritime security and critical minerals, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese underlined the importance of the bilateral partnership in ensuring a peaceful Indo-Pacific.
The visit also saw movement across trade, education, culture and people-to-people ties. Modi said India, driven by the vision of "Grow More, Achieve More", is working towards becoming a developed nation, and invited Australian businesses to tap what he called India’s "unmatched" growth opportunities.
In his engagements in Melbourne, Modi pushed for early finalisation of the proposed India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, saying it would further accelerate bilateral trade and investment ties. He also used the two countries’ shared passion for cricket to illustrate the strength of the rapidly expanding strategic relationship.
Modi met Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn and discussed the "enduring" bilateral bonds, strong people-to-people ties and the strengthening of the "multifaceted partnership" between the two countries.
On the cultural front, the Ministry of External Affairs said three antiquities of Tamil Nadu origin, including a stone idol of the sacred bull Nandi, are set to be repatriated to India by Australia.
In education, Australia’s Victoria University has received approval to set up and operate a campus in Gurugram, in a move the Ministry of External Affairs said was part of educational partnerships aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties.
Overall, the day’s developments reflected a widening India-Australia relationship, with both sides advancing cooperation in strategic sectors while also expanding links in trade, education, culture and community engagement.
With PTI Inputs
- Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Jul 9, 2026 20:18 IST
