Melbourne/New Delhi, 08 July (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday for the final leg of his multi-nation diplomatic tour, saying that the visit would further strengthen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He expressed confidence that his engagements in Australia would open new avenues for cooperation across several key sectors while reinforcing the close people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Shortly after landing in Melbourne, Prime Minister Modi shared a message stating that he looked forward to his discussions with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. He also said he was eager to interact with members of the Indian diaspora, describing them as an important pillar of the India-Australia partnership.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Albanese are expected to hold wide-ranging bilateral talks covering defence and security cooperation, maritime collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, trade and investment, critical and emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, digital innovation, clean energy, education, and capacity building. The discussions are also expected to review the progress made under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and identify new areas for future cooperation.

The visit comes at a time when India and Australia continue to deepen their strategic engagement through regular high-level exchanges, expanding defence cooperation, growing economic ties and closer coordination in regional and multilateral forums. Both countries have significantly strengthened collaboration in recent years in areas including maritime security, resilient supply chains, renewable energy, critical minerals, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.

Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to meet members of the vibrant Indian community in Australia. The Indian diaspora has played a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations by promoting educational, cultural, business and technological exchanges between the two nations.

The Prime Minister's visit follows the successful conclusion of his engagements in Indonesia, where both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in defence, maritime affairs, cultural heritage conservation, digital innovation and emerging technologies. His arrival in Australia marks another important step in India's ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with key Indo-Pacific nations and advance a shared vision of a free, open, inclusive and prosperous region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar