Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday for the second leg of his three-nation tour. During the visit, he will hold talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and meet members of the Indian diaspora. The visit aims to strengthen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across several key sectors.
Modi says visit will strengthen bilateral ties
Soon after landing in Melbourne, PM Modi shared a message on X and expressed confidence that the visit would deepen ties between the two countries. "Landed in Melbourne, Australia. This visit will add vigour to the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," Modi said in a post on X soon after his arrival.
He said he looked forward to meeting Prime Minister Albanese and discussing ways to expand cooperation. Modi also highlighted the contribution of the Indian community in Australia. "I will also have the opportunity to interact with the Indian diaspora, which is an important pillar of our partnership," Modi added.
Landed in Melbourne, Australia. This visit will add vigour to the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. I look forward to the talks with Prime Minister Albanese. I will also have the opportunity to interact with the Indian diaspora which is an important pillar of… pic.twitter.com/Qu8BeAAeGm
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2026
India and Australia to hold annual summit
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Australia gave PM Modi a warm welcome. During the visit, Modi and Albanese will co-chair the third India-Australia Annual Summit.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said both leaders would meet several stakeholders and discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest. "PM @narendramodi arrived in Melbourne to a warm and special welcome. PM will co-chair the 3rd Annual Summit with PM Anthony Albanese @AlboMP and engage with various stakeholders to further deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across all sectors of mutual interest," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.
The leaders are expected to discuss defence, security, trade, technology and other strategic issues.
Defence, trade and education on agenda
Before leaving New Delhi, PM Modi outlined the key focus of his Australia visit. He said both countries would work to expand cooperation in several important sectors.
These include defence and security, trade and investment, education, mobility and stronger people-to-people ties. "I shall, in my discussions with Prime Minister Albanese, take forward our relations in the areas of defence and security, trade and investments, education and mobility and people-to-people ties," he had said.
The meeting is expected to build on the strong partnership that India and Australia have developed in recent years.
Modi concludes successful Indonesia visit
PM Modi arrived in Australia after completing a three-day visit to Indonesia. During the trip, he held talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
The two countries signed 14 agreements to boost cooperation in critical minerals, maritime security and several other strategic sectors. The agreements aim to deepen economic and security ties between the two nations.
President Prabowo gives Modi special farewell
President Prabowo personally accompanied PM Modi to the airport before his departure for Australia. The gesture reflected the close friendship between the two leaders and the growing partnership between India and Indonesia.
Leaders visit UNESCO World Heritage Site
During the Indonesia visit, PM Modi and President Prabowo also visited the historic Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta. The two leaders inaugurated a joint conservation project for the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The initiative highlights the cultural ties between India and Indonesia and their shared commitment to preserving heritage.
Australia is the second stop of PM Modi's three-nation tour. His visit is expected to deepen strategic cooperation, strengthen economic ties and expand collaboration across several areas of mutual interest.