Canberra, 10 July (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Australia's Leader of the Opposition, Angus Taylor, and discussed the growing momentum in India-Australia relations, reaffirming the strong bipartisan support the partnership enjoys across the country.

Sharing details of the meeting, PM Modi said the discussions focused on the expanding strategic relationship between the two nations and the opportunities for deeper cooperation in the years ahead. He described the interaction as engaging and said he greatly values the warmth and broad political support for the India-Australia partnership.

The meeting came during the Prime Minister's visit to Australia, where he held a series of engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. India and Australia have significantly expanded their cooperation in recent years across trade, investment, defence, critical minerals, education, clean energy, technology, maritime security and people-to-people exchanges.

Both countries are members of the Quad grouping alongside the United States and Japan, and have continued to deepen collaboration to promote a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The two nations have also enhanced defence cooperation through joint military exercises, greater interoperability between their armed forces and regular high-level strategic dialogues.

India and Australia have also made steady progress in economic cooperation following the implementation of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which has boosted bilateral trade and opened new opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries.

Prime Minister Modi said the continued support for India-Australia ties across Australia's political spectrum reflects the enduring strength of the bilateral relationship and its growing importance in promoting regional stability, economic growth and shared prosperity.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar