Melbourne: India and Australia strengthened their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on 9 July 2026 as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held the 3rd India–Australia Annual Summit in Melbourne. The two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral ties and announced new initiatives in defence, trade, clean energy and critical minerals.
During the summit, both countries agreed to expand defence cooperation through more complex joint military exercises, greater maritime collaboration and enhanced information sharing. They also reaffirmed their commitment to concluding a mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) at the earliest.
The leaders discussed cooperation in emerging technologies, cyber security, space, renewable energy, education and resilient supply chains. Australia also reiterated its support for closer economic engagement with India, reflecting the growing importance of the bilateral partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.
The summit marked another significant milestone in India–Australia relations, with both governments expressing confidence that the new agreements would strengthen regional security, boost investment and create new opportunities for businesses and people in both countries.
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