Modi, Albanese Strengthen Strategic Partnership at India-Australia CEO Forum in Melbourne

Melbourne, July 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as they jointly participated in the India-Australia CEO Forum in Melbourne. The event brought together leading business figures from both nations to explore new avenues for trade, investment, innovation and economic collaboration.

Prime Minister Albanese welcomed his Indian counterpart upon arrival at the venue, where the two leaders posed for photographs before engaging with prominent CEOs and industry leaders representing diverse sectors from both countries.

The India-Australia CEO Forum, first established in 2012 and relaunched in 2023 by the two Prime Ministers, has emerged as a key platform for strengthening commercial engagement between the two nations. Meeting annually, the Forum provides strategic recommendations to the governments of India and Australia on boosting bilateral economic prosperity while facilitating closer cooperation between businesses throughout the year.

The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, technology, critical minerals, clean energy, manufacturing, education and innovation. Business leaders also highlighted the enormous opportunities created by the growing economic partnership between the two countries and stressed the importance of accelerating investment flows and strengthening supply chains.

The CEO Forum is expected to play a crucial role in implementing initiatives that enhance bilateral trade and create long-term partnerships between Indian and Australian enterprises.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to co-chair the third Annual Summit with Prime Minister Albanese, where the two leaders are expected to review progress made under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and identify new areas of cooperation across defence, security, education, renewable energy, critical technologies, maritime cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

Apart from bilateral talks with Albanese, Prime Minister Modi will also call on Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn during his visit. He is additionally scheduled to address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora in Melbourne, acknowledging the community’s significant contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday evening after concluding the Indonesia leg of his three-nation tour. He received an enthusiastic welcome from members of the Indian community, who gathered in large numbers despite the chilly winter weather to greet him outside his hotel.

The Prime Minister interacted warmly with members of the diaspora amid chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Modi, Modi.” Several cultural performances showcasing India’s rich heritage were organised by local artists as part of the welcome ceremony.

Expressing his appreciation, Prime Minister Modi described the reception as deeply moving.

“The weather in Melbourne may be cold but the warmth of the welcome from the Indian community was truly unforgettable. Their affection and unwavering bond with India continue to be a source of immense joy and pride,” he posted on X.

The cultural programme featured a series of performances celebrating the close cultural relationship between India and Australia.

Prime Minister Modi praised the Australian-India Orchestra for its rendition of the patriotic song “Maa Tujhe Salaam,” calling it a powerful example of how music strengthens the bonds between people.

“The Australian-India Orchestra’s soulful presentation of ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’ was wonderful. It beautifully demonstrated how music strengthens the bonds between our people,” he wrote, adding that the performance also reflected the global popularity of “Vande Mataram” as India commemorates its 150th anniversary.

The Prime Minister also witnessed a unique musical collaboration featuring Australia’s ancient Didgeridoo alongside India’s traditional Tabla. Describing the performance as exceptional, he said the harmony between the two instruments symbolised the deep cultural connection shared by both nations.

He also appreciated an impressive Kathak dance performance presented during the community event, expressing happiness over the growing popularity of Indian classical dance forms across Australia.

“Glad to see Indian dances becoming popular across Australia,” he remarked.

Soon after arriving in Melbourne, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that the visit would inject fresh momentum into bilateral relations.

“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 our partnership,” he posted on X.

Prime Minister Modi’s Australia visit forms the second leg of his ongoing three-nation diplomatic tour. Following his engagements in Australia, he will travel to New Zealand, where he is expected to hold high-level discussions with the country’s leadership aimed at expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, regional security and Indo-Pacific affairs.

The visit underscores India’s growing engagement with key Indo-Pacific partners and reflects the shared commitment of India and Australia to deepen their strategic, economic and cultural partnership in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.