India and Australia discuss closer cooperation in defence & security, mining & critical minerals

Closer cooperation in defence and security as well as trade and investment was on the agenda when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Sydney on Wednesday (May 24, 2023). During the meeting, the two leaders also discussed cooperation in mining and critical minerals, which has become an area of focus for India over the past few years.

"Today’s talks with PM @AlboMP were comprehensive and wide-ranging. This is our sixth meeting in the last one year, indicative of the warmth in the India-Australia friendship. In cricketing terminology- we are firmly in T-20 mode!" Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

"India and Australia are committed to take the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to even newer heights. In today’s talks, the focus was on sectors such as mining, critical minerals, renewable energy, trade, commercial linkages and more," he added.

According to an official press release by the Indian Prime Minister's Office (PMO), both leaders recalled their productive 1st Annual Leaders’ Summit held in March 2023 in New Delhi and reaffirmed their commitment to further broadening and deepening of the multifaceted India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

"The discussions focused on cooperation in defence and security, trade and investment, new and renewable energy, green hydrogen, critical minerals, education, migration and mobility and people to people ties," the PMO added.

During the meeting, the two leaders took stock of two important developments.

1. They welcomed the signing of the India-Australia Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA). This agreement aims to facilitate the mobility of students, professionals, researchers, academics, and others between the two countries through a new skilled pathway called MATES (Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals Scheme) specifically created for India.

2. They welcomed the finalization of Terms of Reference of the India-Australia Hydrogen Task Force, which will advise on opportunities to accelerate manufacture and deployment of clean hydrogen, focusing on hydrogen electrolysers, fuel cells as well as supporting infrastructure and standards and regulations.

"The two leaders reiterated their determination to ensure a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, underpinned by a rules-based international order. They also discussed reform of UN Security Council," the PMO said.

Australian PM Albanese expressed Australia's strong support for India's G20 Presidency and its associated initiatives while Prime Minister Modi said he looked forward to welcoming Prime Minister Albanese to the G20 Summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi in September 2023.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to Australia for its support in establishing a Consulate General of India in Brisbane, further enhancing bilateral relations.