India-Australia relationship has ‘never been more consistent’: PM Albanese
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. File. | Photo credit: AP
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday (4 July 2026) announced his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi’s visit to the Pacific nation next week, saying bilateral relations had “never been more consistent”.
“I am honored to welcome my friend Prime Minister Modi to Australia for our annual Leaders’ Summit,” Mr Albanese said in a statement.
PM Modi will visit Melbourne from July 8-10 as the second leg of a three-nation tour that begins in Indonesia on July 6 and ends in New Zealand on July 11.
“The relationship between Australia and India has never been stronger and our partnership promotes peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” Mr Albanese said.
“Our cooperation in trade, defense and security and technology brings benefits to both countries,” Mr Albanese’s office added.
Mr Albanese last met Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the 2025 G20 summit in Johannesburg.
“As the world’s fourth largest and fastest growing economy, India is a critical economic partner for Australia,” the statement said.
“Our relationship is underpinned by our comprehensive strategic partnership and underpinned by deep economic and cultural ties,” the statement said.
The Indian High Commission in Canberra welcomed Australia’s announcement in a post on X.
“The visit reflects the depth of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and our shared commitment to promoting peace, prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific. We look forward to a productive and memorable visit,” the High Commission said.
Leaders to meet in Melbourne for bilateral discussions. PM Modi will also call on Governor General Sam Mostyn AC during the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release in New Delhi on Friday (July 3, 2026).
Prime Minister Modi will also attend the India-Australia CEO Forum and address a diaspora gathering, he said.
Published – 04 Jul 2026 19:14 IST