Third India-Australia Annual Summit Strengthens Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India visited Australia from 8-10 July 2026 at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the Third Australia-India Annual Summit in Melbourne. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expand the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to address emerging challenges in the global environment.

Defence and Maritime Security Cooperation

The summit resulted in a Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, representing a significant enhancement of bilateral defence relations. Key initiatives include the establishment of an Annual Defence Ministers' Dialogue and continued expansion of defence exercises under the Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement. The leaders agreed to enhance maritime cooperation through the India-Australia Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap, focusing on information sharing, capability development, and operational coordination. A Memorandum of Understanding was concluded between the Maritime Border Command and the Indian Coast Guard to support maritime security.

Defence industry cooperation will be strengthened through a forthcoming Memorandum of Understanding for the Provision of Defence Articles and Defence Services, alongside efforts to connect Australian and Indian defence industries. Military education collaboration will include the placement of a visiting Indian military instructor at the Australian Defence College in 2028-2029 and Australia's hosting of the fourth General Rawat India-Australia Young Officers' Exchange Program.

Economic Cooperation and Trade

The leaders welcomed growing two-way trade under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) and reaffirmed commitment to progressing a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). They emphasized enhancing investment and private sector engagement, noting complementarities between India's "Make in India" and Australia's "Future Made in Australia" initiatives.

Critical minerals cooperation was highlighted as a priority area, with focus on promoting investment, secure long-term supply arrangements, and developing processing capabilities. The leaders acknowledged the importance of transparent and resilient supply chains for economic security, particularly for energy and critical minerals.

Energy, Climate and Technology Collaboration

The Joint Statement on Energy Security reaffirmed commitment to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy supply, emphasizing renewable energy and electrification. Both countries recognized the importance of addressing climate change, with Australia leading as COP31 President of Negotiations. Progress under the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership includes the establishment of a Rooftop Solar Academy.

The Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS) was established to enhance cooperation on critical technologies, supply chain diversification, cyber security, and digital resilience. The Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership MOU was signed to foster cooperation in critical and emerging technologies.

Space cooperation continues with Australian support for India's Gaganyaan Human Space Flight Program, including a temporary space tracking terminal on Cocos Keeling Islands. Australia reiterated strong support for India's Nuclear Suppliers' Group membership, and both leaders welcomed the finalization of the Administrative Arrangement enabling Australian uranium exports to India for peaceful purposes under IAEA safeguards.

People-to-People and Educational Links

Australia announced $10 million for the Centre for Australia-India Relations' Maitri grants to deepen economic collaboration and people-to-people links. Educational collaboration expands with Flinders University establishing a campus in Bengaluru and Victoria University operationalizing its campus in Gurugram. A National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Mining will be established at the National Skill Training Institute in Bhubaneswar, Odisha through agreement between Western Australian Government and Government of India.

The India-Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap was welcomed to deepen sports cooperation, particularly as Australia prepares to host the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics in Brisbane and India prepares for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.

Regional and Global Security Cooperation

The leaders reaffirmed commitment to an open and rules-based Indo-Pacific, emphasizing adherence to international law including UNCLOS. They strongly opposed any unilateral action to change the status quo and undermine regional peace. Cooperation through Quad, Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and Australia-India-Indonesia trilateral mechanism was emphasized.

Both leaders expressed concern over tensions in the Middle East and called for protection of civilians and uninterrupted energy flows. They also discussed the war in Ukraine, expressing concern at humanitarian consequences and calling for peaceful resolution. The situation in Myanmar and its regional impact was noted with support for ASEAN-led efforts.

The Prime Ministers unequivocally condemned terrorism in all forms and committed to enhance information sharing on terrorist threats, counter radicalization efforts, and combat financing of terrorism. They specifically condemned terrorist attacks at Pahalgam and Bondi Beach.

United Nations Reform

Australia reiterated support for India's candidacy for a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council, recognizing the need for greater representation to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. Both leaders reaffirmed mutual support for each other's non-permanent candidatures to the UNSC—India for 2028-2029 and Australia for 2029-2030.