Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a fruitful three-day visit to Australia from July 8 to 10, 2026, marked by the Third Australia–India Annual Summit in Melbourne. The visit, his third as Prime Minister, produced several concrete outcomes that significantly deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. Held against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving Indo-Pacific and global uncertainties, the summit saw the two countries reaffirm their commitment to peace, prosperity and a free, open and inclusive region.
The Ministry of External Affairs has released a list of 18 concrete outcomes of the bilateral discussions during PM Modi’s Australia visit.
Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation
The two sides announced the Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, which renews the existing Joint Declaration on Security from 2009. The declaration outlines an ambitious roadmap for closer strategic consultations, enhanced interoperability between the armed forces, expanded joint military exercises and greater collaboration in defence science, technology and industrial supply chains.
It identifies interoperability of forces, capacity building, maritime domain, defence industrial collaboration, cyber security and technology, counter terrorism, HADR, and unified approach in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA, as areas of cooperation.
Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap
India and Australia adopted the Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap to enhance maritime security cooperation through greater information sharing, capability development and operational coordination in the Indo-Pacific region.
India-Australia Joint Statement on Energy Security
The leaders issued a Joint Statement on Energy Security that reaffirms the commitment of both countries to reliable and sustainable energy supplies amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Finalisation of Administrative Arrangement of the India-Australia Civil Nuclear Agreement
The two countries finalised the Administrative Arrangement under the India-Australia Civil Nuclear Agreement signed in 2014. This operationalises the pact and paves the way for the supply of uranium from Australia to India for peaceful purposes.
Australia-India Partnership for Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains
Both nations launched the Australia-India Partnership for Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS). Building on the 2020 framework, it aims to support national and regional security, promote resilient supply chains and strengthen collaboration in critical technologies, cyber security and digital resilience.
MoU between Indian Coast Guard and Australia’s Maritime Border Command
An MoU was signed between the Indian Coast Guard and Australia’s Maritime Border Command to foster cooperation in maritime law enforcement, domain awareness and maritime border protection.
Australian Invite for Indian Military Instructor
Australia extended an invitation for an Indian military instructor to be deployed at the Australian Defence College for the 2028-29 period, further deepening professional military education ties.
MoU for Centre of Excellence in Mining and METS
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Technical and Further Education, Government of Western Australia, signed an MoU to establish a Centre of Excellence in Mining Equipment, Technology and Services at the National Skill Training Institute in Bhubaneswar. It will focus on mining operations, safety, mineral processing and machinery, while enabling student and trainee exchanges.
Letter of Intent to Flinders University
A Letter of Intent was handed over to Flinders University for setting up its campus in Bengaluru, expanding higher education collaboration between the two countries.
Letter of Intent between NCVET and Australian Skills Quality Authority
The National Council for Vocational Education and Training and the Australian Skills Quality Authority signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen quality assurance in technical and vocational education and training. It will support regulatory frameworks, alignment of occupational standards in priority sectors and capacity building initiatives.
Repatriation of Indian Artefacts
During PM Modi’s visit, Australia handed over three Indian antiquities to India. These are, the sacred bull Nandi from Tamil Nadu, a 11th-12th century granite statue, a trident with auspicious Kali (Bhadrakali), a 11th century bronze item, and the six-headed Skanda (Karttikeya), a 12th century basalt idol. Prime Minister Modi thanked Australia for the voluntary return of the Indian cultural artefacts.
Operationalisation of Rooftop Solar Training Academy
The Rooftop Solar Training Academy was established and operationalised at the Pandit Deendayal Energy University in Gandhinagar. In collaboration with Australian partners, it aims to train 2000 women and youth as solar technicians, installers and helpers, supporting India’s PM Surya Ghar Yojana and green energy goals.
MoU under Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation Partnership
An MoU was signed under the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership to advance trilateral cooperation in emerging technologies and innovation.
MoU between GeoScience Australia and Geological Survey of India
GeoScience Australia and the Geological Survey of India concluded an MoU that builds on earlier scientific cooperation. It focuses on advanced exploration methodologies, capacity building, skill development and modernisation of infrastructure.
Traditional Knowledge Digital Library Access Agreement
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and IP Australia signed an agreement granting access to India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library database.
MoU between CSIR and University of Melbourne
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the University of Melbourne signed an MoU to establish linkages for collaborative research on drug target identification, trainee programmes and faculty exchanges.
MoU between Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute and Griffith Film School
The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in Kolkata and Griffith Film School in South Brisbane entered into an MoU to promote joint academic activities, workshops, cinema projects and short-term programmes.
Letter of Approval to Victoria University
A Letter of Approval was handed over to Victoria University to set up and operate its campus in Gurugram, further boosting educational ties and student mobility.
These outcomes build on the robust Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and are expected to deliver tangible benefits in defence, economic security, clean energy, skills development and cultural exchanges. The visit highlighted the growing importance of India-Australia relations in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
PM Narendra Modi and PM Anthony Albanese welcomed the tangible benefits flowing from the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) and reiterated their commitment to concluding an ambitious, balanced and mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) at the earliest. They convened the CEO Forum during the visit and noted complementarities between India’s “Make in India” and Australia’s “Future Made in Australia” initiatives.
Prime Minister Modi used the platform to pitch India as a long-term investment destination, particularly in clean energy manufacturing, hydro projects, green hydrogen, solar modules and wind turbines, underlining India’s target of 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070. Australian technology, capital and resources, he said, could accelerate this transition.
The Indian community in Australia, now the country’s largest overseas-born group, was celebrated during a massive community reception at Marvel, which drew tens of thousands of enthusiastic participants. The Australian side announced AUD 10 million for the Centre for Australia-India Relations’ Maitri grants to further economic collaboration and people-to-people ties. Parliamentary engagement was strengthened through new friendship groups in both legislatures.
The visit formed part of Prime Minister Modi’s three-nation tour covering Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, aimed at reinforcing India’s Act East Policy, the MAHASAGAR vision and commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
