India- Australia deepen ties across nuclear, maritime & mineral sectors

India and Australia on Thursday firmed up a raft of agreements to bolster cooperation in 18 key sectors such as civil nuclear energy, maritime security, and critical minerals, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese decided to impart a new momentum in the bilateral ties. Modi held wide-ranging talks with the Australian leader, a day after landing in Australia from Indonesia in the second leg of his three-nation tour that is aimed at boosting trade and defence relations.PM Modi says, "Today, when we are in the world's sporting capital of Melbourne, to not talk about sports would like a cricket match not starting even after the toss. Cricket is the unique diplomatic language for India-Australia relations. This is the reason our meetings feel like a cricket match- the agenda has one-day match like focus and our partnership is long and deep as a Test-match."

#WATCH | Melbourne, Australia | PM Modi says, "Today, when we are in the world's sporting capital of Melbourne, to not talk about sports would like a cricket match not starting even after the toss. Cricket is the unique diplomatic language for India-Australia relations. This is… pic.twitter.com/HpvRwDY8z5

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2026

In his address, Australian Prime Minister Albanese said the relationship between Australia and India has never been stronger. And today we’re building on our ties in defence, trade, investment and energy as well as our work in education and technology, he said.  

The relationship between Australia and India has never been stronger

And today we’re building on our ties in defence, trade, investment and energy.

As well as our work in education and technology.

Because together, we can be a force for peace and prosperity in our… pic.twitter.com/o7YPm6MIMq

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) July 9, 2026

Following the meeting, the two sides unveiled an India-Australia joint declaration on defence and security, a joint statement on energy ties and a roadmap for collaboration in cyber, critical technologies and supply chains. As part of the initiative, India and Australia agreed to establish an Annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogue and enhance military interoperability through more frequent and complex exercises, exchanges and cooperation under the Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement. Modi and Albanese welcomed the continued growth in bilateral trade under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). They reaffirmed their commitment to concluding a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), describing it as essential for unlocking the full potential of the bilateral economic relationship.