Melbourne/ New Delhi, 09 July (H.S.): India and Australia on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, civil nuclear energy, defence, maritime security, and education during the joint press conference held after the Third Annual Leaders' Summit in Melbourne. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has achieved unprecedented progress in recent years and is now entering a new phase of expanded cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi said the personal efforts and steadfast commitment of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have elevated India–Australia relations to new heights and broadened the scope of bilateral engagement. He described India and Australia as two vibrant democracies, multicultural societies, and major maritime powers in the Indo-Pacific region, adding that their shared values and common global outlook continue to strengthen mutual trust.

The Prime Minister noted that bilateral trade and investment have grown steadily since the signing of the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) in 2022. He announced that both countries have now decided to expedite negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), with the objective of concluding a balanced, ambitious, and mutually beneficial pact.

Highlighting developments in the energy sector, Prime Minister Modi said a significant agreement on civil nuclear cooperation had been concluded, paving the way for the supply of Australian uranium to India. He said the agreement would strengthen India's clean energy goals while enhancing the country's long-term energy security.

Speaking on defence cooperation, the Prime Minister announced that the India–Australia Defence Innovation Corridor will connect defence start-ups and industries in both countries to promote technological collaboration and innovation. He added that the Maritime Security Cooperation Roadmap would further strengthen joint efforts to maintain security and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.

On the issue of terrorism, Prime Minister Modi said India and Australia believe terrorism is not merely a challenge for any single nation but a grave threat to humanity as a whole. He said both countries remain united in their unwavering resolve to combat terrorism and will continue to strengthen cooperation in this area.

The Prime Minister further emphasised that ongoing conflicts and wars in different parts of the world can only be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He reaffirmed that India and Australia would work together to promote peace, stability, freedom of navigation, and a rules-based order throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Prime Minister Modi also acknowledged the significant contribution made by the Indian diaspora to Australia's economic and social development. He said Australia has long been a preferred destination for Indian students, and the establishment of Australian university campuses in India has opened a new chapter in educational and knowledge partnership between the two countries.

He added that both nations would continue to promote greater mobility and stronger people-to-people ties by facilitating exchanges among students, professionals, and tourists.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar