On the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, on Friday, November 21, 2025, to discuss and pledge deeper India-Australia strategic cooperation. The meeting served as an opportunity to review the progress made in various areas of cooperation between the two nations, including defense and security, critical minerals, trade and investment, education, clean energy, and people-to-people ties.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the substantial deepening and diversification of ties, particularly as they mark five years of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They acknowledged the momentum generated by frequent high-level exchanges in recent years, which have played a crucial role in accelerating bilateral progress.
Prime Minister Modi described the meeting as "very good," emphasizing the potential for deeper collaboration in key sectors such as defense, nuclear energy, and trade, along with stronger cultural and educational exchanges. He noted that the strategic partnership between India and Australia has witnessed transformative outcomes, deepening cooperation across various sectors. Albanese echoed this sentiment, stating that the relationship between Australia and India is robust and has significant potential for further growth, especially in economic and defense cooperation.
The discussions also focused on expanding collaboration in emerging areas and reinforcing ongoing engagements. Both leaders committed to strengthening the global fight against terrorism. Albanese conveyed condolences for the recent terrorist attack in Delhi and the bus accident in Saudi Arabia that resulted in the death of Indian pilgrims.
According to a release by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the meeting covered a broad spectrum of cooperation, including political and strategic engagement, energy, technology, mobility, and people-to-people linkages. The Prime Ministers also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.
Albanese later posted on social media, describing India and Australia as "great friends and partners," and highlighted cooperation in trade, defense, education, clean energy, and critical technologies. A day prior to the meeting, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar co-chaired the 16th India-Australia Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue in New Delhi, where they reviewed developments in the Indo-Pacific region and reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free and open region.
Modi and Albanese agreed that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has established a strong foundation for an expanded and more resilient bilateral framework. They renewed their commitment to elevate the partnership to even greater heights. The meeting reaffirmed the shared vision of India and Australia for a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
