India-Australia relations enter ‘T-20 mode’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, have concluded a successful three-day visit, highlighting the growing friendship and bilateral cooperation between the two nations. During his visit, Prime Minister Modi met with various Australian leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton, and appreciated the strong bipartisan support for the strategic bilateral relations.
The meeting between Modi and Dutton was described as productive, and they discussed various aspects of the bilateral ties as well as regional developments. Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter to express his appreciation for Dutton’s efforts in ensuring bipartisan support for the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This partnership reached a new level in 2020, with both countries elevating their ties and signing key agreements, including a landmark pact for reciprocal access to military bases, in response to their shared concerns over China’s actions.
Dutton, a member of Australia’s Liberal Party, also expressed his pleasure in meeting Modi again and highlighted the special and growing relationship between Australia and India. He emphasised the importance of the relationship enjoying support across the political spectrum.

The Ministry of External Affairs of India tweeted about the meeting, stating that Prime Minister Modi conveyed his appreciation for the strong bipartisan support and discussed various aspects of bilateral ties, including people-to-people linkages and regional developments.

Modi’s visit to Australia marked the final leg of his three-nation tour, which began in Japan, where he attended the G7 summit, and included a stop in Papua New Guinea. In Australia, Modi held wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Albanese, further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
During their meeting, Modi used a cricket analogy to describe the India-Australia relationship, stating that it had entered the “T-20 mode,” signifying its fast expansion. The leaders discussed the expansion of the comprehensive strategic partnership and invited each other to important upcoming events. Modi invited Albanese and Australian cricket fans to India for the Cricket World Cup later in the year, while Albanese expressed his desire to attend the G20 Summit in India.

The leaders announced the finalisation of the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement, aimed at promoting two-way mobility of students, academic researchers, and business people. They also reiterated their ambition to conclude the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, which is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade.

Furthermore, the leaders welcomed the progress towards establishing an India-Australia green hydrogen task force and announced the establishment of a new Australian Consulate-General in Bengaluru. This consulate will focus on connecting Australian businesses to India’s booming digital economy and innovation ecosystem.