On November 21, 2025 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Key Points
The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the deepening and diverse cooperation between India and Australia.
The two countries elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership five years ago in 2020.
The Australian Prime Minister expressed solidarity with India on terrorism and called for strengthening the global fight against terrorism.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed areas of bilateral cooperation such as politics, defense and security, energy, trade and investment, essential minerals, technology, mobility, education, and people-to-people ties.
The two Prime Ministers also shared views on regional and global issues of mutual benefit.
India-Australia Relations : Historic Prespective
Relations between India and Australia are very strong and positive, currently standing at the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). Both nations share many common values and interests that form the foundation of their relationship.
Cold War (1947 – 1991)
- Strategic Differences: Australia was aligned with the US (ANZUS), while India leaned towards NAM and the Soviet Union.
- Stagnation: Bilateral relations remained subdued and limited due to differing strategic interests.
1990s: Economic and Nuclear Turning Point
- India’s Economic Liberalisation (1991): Opened opportunities for trade and investment.
- Nuclear Tests (1998): Australia imposed sanctions on India following its nuclear tests, causing a dip in bilateral ties.
- Cricket Diplomacy: Despite political tensions, cricket remained a powerful cultural bridge.
21st Century: Rise of the Strategic Partnership
- Immigration Surge: The end of restrictive policies led to a rapid increase in Indian migrants and students, strengthening people-to-people ties.
- The China Factor: China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region aligned the strategic interests of both nations.
- 2007/2017: QUAD was initiated/re-established.
- Uranium Supply: The 2014 Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement allowed Australia to sell uranium to India, marking a major sign of trust and normalisation.
- Relationship Peak:
- 2020: Relations were elevated to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
- 2022: The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) was signed.