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India-Australia leaders review ties at G20
At the 20th G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Narendra Modi met with Anthony Albanese to review the full spectrum of India-Australia relations. The two leaders noted that the elevation of their partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020 had paved the way for deeper cooperation across defence, security, trade and technology.
Condolences and future cooperation
Prime Minister Albanese extended his condolences over recent tragic incidents in India, including a terror attack at an airport and a bus crash abroad. The discussion covered joint interests in defence industry collaboration, critical minerals, renewable energy and enhanced trade linkages under the existing economic framework.
Road ahead for ties
Both countries acknowledged the need to build on the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), signed in December 2022, to further diversify trade and investment. They affirmed their intention to advance mutual projects in emerging technologies and defence supply chains while strengthening the strategic security partnership in the Indo-Pacific.
Implications
For India, stronger ties with Australia offer an expanded role in regional security architecture and access to key mineral and technological resources. For Australia, India represents a major growth partner and a gateway into the broader South Asian market. The meeting underscores both countries’ commitment to an “and-not-versus” approach in bilateral engagement, against a backdrop of shifting global strategic balances.
Challenges ahead
Despite the positive tone, practical implementation of agreements such as ECTA, and deeper defence cooperation will require navigating complex supply-chain, regulatory and geopolitical hurdles. Ensuring trade flows beyond the headline agreements and translating them into measurable investments remains the next step for both sides.
