The visit underscored the commitment between the two nations towards a stable Indo-Pacific region amidst China's assertive behavior and expansionist efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Australia on Monday as part of his three-nation tour. During his visit, he will engage in talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and participate in a community event to celebrate the Indian diaspora in the country.
Prime Minister Albanese expressed his honor in hosting Modi, citing the warm welcome he received during his visit to India earlier this year. Both leaders emphasized the commitment of Australia and India to a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, given China's aggressive behavior and efforts to expand its influence.
Prior to arriving in Australia, Prime Minister Modi concluded his visit to Papua New Guinea, where he held discussions with Prime Minister James Marape to strengthen bilateral relations. They explored avenues for enhanced cooperation in commerce, technology, healthcare, and climate change. Together, they co-hosted the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit, emphasizing regional cooperation.
The Australian government highlighted the significance of Australia's dynamic and diverse Indian diaspora, which constitutes 2.8% of the country's population, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016 census. This community event in Sydney aims to celebrate their contribution to the multicultural fabric of Australia.
Prime Minister Modi's three-nation tour began in Japan, where he attended sessions at the G7 summit and the 3rd in-person Quad Summit alongside US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Prime Minister Albanese. The Quad meeting took place in Hiroshima after President Biden postponed his trip to Australia due to ongoing negotiations over the US debt limit.
(With PTI Inputs)