Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an important telephone conversation with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, focusing on bolstering bilateral ties and deepening cooperation in multilateral platforms like the Quad. This dialogue reflects the ongoing commitment of both nations to enhancing their strategic partnership amid the evolving geopolitical landscape.
During their discussion, PM Modi and PM Albanese reviewed the progress in their countries’ relations, particularly in the areas of trade, defence, and regional security. The conversation underscored the importance of maintaining a strong and cooperative relationship, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, where both India and Australia have vested interests.
The leaders also emphasized their commitment to the Quad, a strategic forum comprising India, Australia, Japan, and the United States. The Quad has increasingly become a platform for addressing regional security challenges and promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The conversation between the two prime ministers highlighted their shared vision for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, which remains central to their foreign policies.
This dialogue follows closely on the heels of recent high-level meetings, including one between India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Their discussions in Tokyo centered on intensifying bilateral ties, particularly in security, trade, and education. Additionally, they explored ways to deepen practical cooperation across the Indo-Pacific, further cementing the strong relationship between the two nations.
In a related development, Australia has announced the launch of a new Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre, aimed at securing undersea cable networks in the Indo-Pacific. This initiative, which will see Australia investing over USD 18 million in the next four years, is crucial for the region’s connectivity and digital economy growth. The Centre’s work is integral to the prosperity and security of the Indo-Pacific, highlighting Australia’s commitment to regional stability.
The recent talks between PM Modi and PM Albanese, along with these strategic initiatives, underscore the growing importance of the Indo-Australian partnership. As both nations continue to collaborate closely on regional and global issues, their relationship is poised to become even more significant in the years to come.
