MELBOURNE, Australia | July 10, 2026
PM Modi Australia Visit concluded on a high note as Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for New Zealand after completing a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Before leaving Australia, Modi thanked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the Australian government, and the Australian people for their warm hospitality, saying the visit had opened new avenues for cooperation across multiple sectors.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said:
“My Australia visit has concluded. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Australia, as well as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, for their warm hospitality. The outcomes of this visit have further strengthened our partnership and opened new avenues of cooperation across various sectors. This momentum will benefit both our countries and the wider world in the years ahead.”
Modi and Albanese Reaffirm India-Australia Partnership
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Albanese held bilateral discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology, education, clean energy, defense, and people-to-people ties.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advancing initiatives that support economic growth and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Officials said the visit marked another significant step in strengthening the long-standing relationship between India and Australia.
Leaders Visit Melbourne Cricket Ground
One of the highlights of the visit was the leaders’ joint tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), one of Australia’s most iconic sporting venues.
Modi shared photographs from the visit and emphasized the role of sports in bringing the people of both countries closer together.
“Sports are an important pillar of the India-Australia partnership, bringing our people together through shared passion and mutual respect. It was a pleasure to visit the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground with Prime Minister Albanese.”
He added that greater sports exchanges, youth engagement, and institutional cooperation could further strengthen bilateral ties.
Young Athletes Showcase Sporting Talent
At the MCG, the two prime ministers interacted with young athletes participating in exhibition matches featuring:
- Cricket
- Kabaddi
- Australian Rules Football
Sharing images of the event, Modi said watching children participate in different sports demonstrated the unique ability of sports to connect people across cultures.
He also noted that India and Australia already share a strong sporting relationship and have significant opportunities to expand cooperation in athlete development, coaching, infrastructure, and youth engagement.
Sports Collaboration Roadmap Launched
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders welcomed the launch of the India-Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap, a new initiative designed to broaden sporting cooperation between the two nations.
Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the roadmap recognizes sports as an important foundation for strengthening people-to-people ties and expanding institutional collaboration.
The initiative is expected to promote:
- Sports exchanges
- Youth engagement programs
- Talent identification and development
- Sports infrastructure cooperation
- Coaching and training partnerships
- Knowledge sharing between sporting institutions
Focus on Future Global Sporting Events
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that both countries are preparing to host major international sporting events in the coming decade.
He said India’s planned hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games and Australia’s hosting of the 2032 Olympic Games present significant opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation in sports.
According to Modi, collaboration in infrastructure development, athlete training, sports science, and event management can further strengthen the India-Australia partnership.
Visit Reflects Expanding Strategic Cooperation
Beyond sports, the visit reinforced the growing strategic relationship between New Delhi and Canberra.
India and Australia continue to expand cooperation across several priority areas, including:
- Trade and investment
- Defense and maritime security
- Critical minerals
- Renewable energy
- Education and research
- Digital technology
- Supply chain resilience
- People-to-people connections
Officials from both governments described the visit as another milestone in advancing bilateral cooperation.
Modi Continues Three-Nation Diplomatic Tour
Following the successful conclusion of his Australia visit, Prime Minister Modi departed for New Zealand, where he is expected to continue discussions aimed at strengthening India’s partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
The New Zealand leg of the tour is expected to focus on trade, investment, agriculture, education, and expanding cooperation following the recently signed India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.
With stronger strategic ties, expanded sports cooperation, and renewed commitments across multiple sectors, PM Modi Australia Visit has reinforced the growing partnership between India and Australia while setting the stage for the next phase of India’s diplomatic engagement in the region.
