PM Modi emplanes for New Zealand after concluding Australia visit
Melbourne, July 10
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday emplaned for New Zealand after concluding his three-day visit to Australia.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Australia's High Commissioner to India Philip Green and other officials saw off PM Modi at the airport.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese launched the India-Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap during a visit to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), marking a significant step towards expanding bilateral cooperation in sports, sports science, and sporting infrastructure.
The event, attended by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and several Australian sporting legends, including Steve Waugh and Lisa Sthalekar, highlighted the growing role of sports, cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties in strengthening the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Sharing his experience, Prime Minister Modi posted on X, "Wonderful to visit the Melbourne Cricket Ground with PM Albanese. The passion for sport continues to bring the people of India and Australia closer."
PM Modi also met Australia's Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, with both leaders discussing the growing strength of bilateral ties.
"Met Mr. Angus Taylor, Leader of the Opposition of Australia. We had an engaging conversation on the growing strength of India-Australia ties and the many opportunities ahead. I deeply value the warmth and broad support that our partnership enjoys across Australia," PM Modi posted on X.
During his visit, PM Modi held bilateral talks with PM Albanese, met Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Victoria Governor Margaret Gardner AC, attended the Australia-India CEO Forum, participated in an Indian community reception in Melbourne, and met former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
On Thursday, PM Modi and Albanese participated in the third Australia-India Annual Summit, where the two sides reviewed progress across the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation, including trade and investment, critical minerals, clean energy, technology, defence and security, education, skills, mobility, science and innovation, culture, sports and people-to-people ties.
Both leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments and reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
"The Summit witnessed finalisation of several MoUs in areas including defence, maritime security, energy including nuclear, critical technology, education, skilling among others," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
After concluding his engagements in Australia, PM Modi departed for New Zealand for a two-day visit, where he is scheduled to hold talks with his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon. This will be the first official visit of an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years. During his visit, PM Modi will interact with prominent business, sports personalities and address a large gathering of the Indian Diaspora.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Impressive diplomatic outreach. The India-Australia partnership covers so many areas from defence to clean energy. But I hope these high-level talks translate into tangible benefits for ordinary Indians - like more student visas, trade opportunities for small businesses, and easier travel. Let's see concrete outcomes, not just MoUs!
As an Indian student currently in Melbourne, I can tell you the energy here during PM Modi's visit was incredible! The Indian community reception was packed. It feels amazing that our PM takes time to meet the diaspora everywhere. Now hoping for easier visa processes and more exchange programs! 🎉
The MCG event with Steve Waugh and Lisa Sthalekar shows sports diplomacy at its best. I recall how cricket has historically connected our two nations. Now with Indian Premier League players spending time in Australia and Aussie coaches in India, this sports roadmap formalizes a beautiful cultural connection. Well played, PMs!
Love how our PM engages with everyone - from the Governor-General to the Opposition Leader. That meeting with Angus Taylor shows bipartisan support for India-Australia ties. But honestly, I wish we'd hear more about how this visit helps farmers get better prices for their produce or creates jobs back home. Diplomacy is good, but delivery matters more.
Finally an Indian PM visiting New Zealand in 40 years! That's a shockingly long gap for a fellow Commonwealth nation with a growing Indian diaspora. Hope PM Modi's talks with Christopher Luxon focus on trade, climate action, and making it easier for Indians to work and study there. New Zealand needs India as much as we need friends in the Pacific
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