Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday conveyed his condolences to India over the recent Red Fort terror attack and the Saudi Arabia bus accident that claimed the lives of several Indian Umrah pilgrims. His remarks came during a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Strong India–Australia Partnership Highlighted
Albanese underlined the growing ties between the two nations, stating:
“We have much to discuss, and our relationship is very strong. The economic relationship can be further strengthened, and our defence and security ties are very important going forward.”
Also Read – Madras High Court: Consistent Conduct Sufficient to Establish Conversion to Hinduism
Following the meeting, he wrote on X,
“Australia and India are great friends and partners… Wonderful to catch up with my friend Prime Minister Modi ahead of the G20 Summit.”
PM Modi Outlines Three Core Areas of Cooperation
Prime Minister Modi said the talks focused on three key sectors with high potential:
- Defence and Security
- Nuclear Energy
- Trade
He added that education, cultural exchanges and other areas of cooperation were also discussed.
Modi noted that 2025 marks five years of the India–Australia Strategic Partnership, which has delivered “transformative outcomes.”
Also Read – Bihar Cabinet Minister List 2025: Nitish Kumar Gives Up Home Ministry as BJP Takes Key Portfolios
Meeting Follows High-Level Dialogue in New Delhi
The bilateral meeting comes a day after Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. Both leaders conducted the 16th India–Australia Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue to review the full range of ties.
They reaffirmed commitment to:
- A free, open and secure Indo-Pacific
- Strengthened cooperation across defence, trade, education, and clean energy.
