Albanese Highlights Growing India–Australia Partnership, Says He Looks Forward to Hosting PM Modi

Canberra, May 2026 : Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has praised the rapidly growing relationship between India and Australia, stating that ties between the two nations continue to deepen through trade, education, culture and cricket. He also said he is looking forward to hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Australia once again in the near future.

Addressing the Australian Parliament, Albanese described India as a country of immense economic opportunity and emphasised the strategic importance of strengthening bilateral ties in the Indo-Pacific region. He noted that India, currently the world’s most populous nation, is expected to become the third-largest economy globally during this decade, making it a crucial partner for Australia.

“India, of course, has the largest population in the world, but it will also grow to be the third largest economy in the world over this decade. That is an extraordinary opportunity for us in our region,” Albanese said.

He highlighted the geographical and economic connections between the two nations, saying Australia is not only a Pacific nation but also an Indian Ocean nation, which naturally strengthens its relationship with India. According to Albanese, the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) has significantly enhanced trade ties between the two countries.

“Our trading relationship has been enhanced by the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, and we are further drawn together through culture, education and, of course, the international language of cricket,” he said.

Reflecting on his personal connection with India, Albanese recalled his first visit to the country in 1991 as a backpacker. Describing the experience as memorable and enriching, he said travelling through India offered him firsthand exposure to the country’s warmth and diversity.

“When I first visited India as a backpacker way back in 1991, I travelled a bit differently in those days,” he said with a smile. “If you want to understand India, get on a video bus or train. It is a wonderful experience to see firsthand the warmth that is there.”

The Australian Prime Minister also confirmed that he would soon have the privilege of welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Australia for a second official visit. “Like last time, Prime Minister Modi’s visit will be made extraordinary by so many of the million-strong Indian Australian community,” Albanese said.

Praising the Indian diaspora in Australia, Albanese described the Indian-Australian community as one of the country’s fastest-growing and most dynamic migrant communities. He acknowledged their immense contribution to Australia’s economy, culture and social fabric.

“That’s a community that has added so much through their love of this country, their spirit of generosity and through generations of hard work and aspiration that have strengthened our economy and enhanced our society,” he said.

He particularly highlighted the role of Indian-owned small businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit of the diaspora, stating that Indian Australians have helped strengthen the links between Australia and India in meaningful ways.

“What these great Australians have done in the process is strengthen the important links between this land that is their home and future and the land of their extraordinary heritage,” Albanese remarked.

The Prime Minister also assured the Indian community that his government would continue to support and protect their interests. “We’re a better country because of you. My government will always stand up for you and your interests. We will reject any attempt to divide,” he said, stressing the importance of celebrating multicultural contributions to Australian society.

Meanwhile, Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, shared Albanese’s speech on social media platform X and expressed enthusiasm over the strengthening bilateral ties. “When your Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks with so much conviction and passion about India — the country where you serve as the High Commissioner — it makes your job infinitely more meaningful,” Green wrote.

“We look forward to welcoming you to Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji,” he added.

Albanese’s remarks come at a time when India–Australia relations are witnessing significant momentum across trade, strategic cooperation, education, technology and people-to-people engagement, reflecting the growing importance of the partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)