Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne on Thursday, with both leaders expected to strengthen cooperation in critical minerals, trade, defence and regional security.
Modi, who last visited Australia in 2023, arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday night to a ceremonial red-carpet welcome. During his visit, he is also scheduled to hold meetings with several of Australia’s leading business executives as both nations seek to deepen economic ties.
One of the key issues expected to be discussed is a potential agreement on uranium exports to India. Although the two countries signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement in 2014, uranium exports have remained limited due to concerns over ensuring the material is used solely for peaceful purposes such as electricity generation.
When asked about the possibility of a uranium export deal, Albanese told reporters he would have “more to say” after meeting Modi, adding that both governments had engaged constructively and that several joint announcements were expected.
India is Australia’s fifth-largest trading partner after China, Japan, the United States and South Korea, while around one million Australians are of Indian heritage. The visit underscores the growing strategic and economic partnership between the two countries as they seek to expand cooperation across multiple sectors.
Modi is also expected to address thousands of members of the Indian diaspora at one of Melbourne’s largest sporting venues on Thursday evening. Australian media reported that security has been heightened around the stadium following reports of planned protests.
The Indian leader is well known for drawing massive crowds during overseas visits, having previously addressed packed stadiums in the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. During his last Australian visit, thousands of supporters gathered to welcome him at a major indoor arena in Sydney.
Before arriving in Australia, Modi visited Indonesia, where he signed a series of agreements covering agriculture and defence, including cooperation involving the BrahMos cruise missile system. He is scheduled to depart for New Zealand on Friday before returning to India.
