Melbourne, July 4: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said he is “honoured to welcome my friend Prime Minister Modi” to Australia for the Annual Leaders’ Summit scheduled from July 8 to 10, 2026. He emphasized that the Australia–India partnership has never been more consequential and expressed his commitment to strengthening ties across multiple sectors.
Albanese noted that the summit in Melbourne will focus on expanding cooperation in defence, clean energy, critical minerals, investment, and emerging technologies. He underlined that the partnership between the two nations is vital for fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Highlighting India’s economic rise, Albanese described India as the world’s fourth-largest and fastest-growing economy, making it a critical partner for Australia’s future. He also pointed to the strong cultural and diaspora links that bind the two nations together.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will address the Indian diaspora at a major community event titled “Melbourne Meets Modi” at Marvel Stadium on July 9. The event is expected to draw thousands of members of the Indian community in Australia.
Modi’s visit to Australia is part of his three-nation tour covering Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand. The summit will further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Australia, building on recent engagements including the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025.
