Modi raises temple attacks in talks with Albanese, says ties in ‘T20 mode’

Focussing on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), Albanese said: “We reiterated our shared ambition for an early conclusion of the Australia-India CECA later this year.”

After their bilateral meeting, Modi said: “PM Albanese and I have discussed the issue of attacks on temples in Australia and the activities of separatist elements in the past. Today also, we had discussions on the issue. It is not acceptable to us that any element harms the warm and friendly relations between India and Australia by their thoughts or actions. I thank PM Albanese for the steps he has taken in this regard. And at the same time, he assured me once again that he will continue to take strict action against such elements.”

Albanese did not mention the attacks on temples in his public statements.

“We talked about taking India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership to greater heights in the next decade. We discussed in detail the possibilities of cooperation in new areas. Last year, India-Australia ECTA came into effect. Today, we have decided to focus on CECA. This will give further strength and new dimensions to our trade and economic cooperation,” Modi said.

An official statement said that both leaders welcomed the signing of the India-Australia Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement, which will further facilitate mobility of students, professionals, researchers, academics and others, including through a new skilled pathway named Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals Scheme specifically created for India.

The bilateral discussions focused on cooperation in defence and security, trade and investment, new and renewable energy, green hydrogen, critical minerals, education, migration and mobility, and people-to-people ties.

“We had constructive discussions on strengthening our strategic cooperation in the sectors of mining and critical minerals. We have identified concrete areas for cooperation in renewable energy. It was decided to set up a task force on green hydrogen,” Modi said.

“We have just witnessed the signing of the Terms of Reference of the Australia-India Green Hydrogen Task Force,” Albanese said. The task force will comprise Indian and Australian experts in renewable hydrogen, and report to the Australian-Indian Ministerial Energy Dialogue on the opportunities for cooperation.

“Investments like the task force will help power our industries in the future, and ensure that Australia and India meet our energy targets in the interests of both our countries, but also in support of reduction of global emissions,” said Albanese.

The official statement said the task force will advise on opportunities to accelerate manufacture and deployment of clean hydrogen, focusing on hydrogen electrolysers, fuel cells, as well as supporting infrastructure and standards and regulations.

Modi also thanked Australia for its support in establishing a Consulate General of India in Brisbane.

On global challenges, the statement said: “The two leaders reiterated their determination to ensure a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, underpinned by a rules-based international order. They also discussed reform of the UN Security Council.”

Using a cricket analogy to describe India-Australia ties, Modi said the relations have entered “T20 mode”. “I am visiting Australia within two months of the visit of my friend, PM Albanese, to India. This is our sixth meeting in the past one year. This reflects a depth in our comprehensive relations, convergence in our views, and the maturity of our ties,” he said.

“In the language of cricket, our ties have reached the T20 mode… The India-Australia friendship is a special one,” Modi said. He also invited Albanese and Australian cricket fans for the Cricket World Cup in India later this year.

The official statement said Albanese “expressed Australia’s strong support to India’s G20 presidency and initiatives”.

Modi also met David Hurley, Governor-General of Australia, and discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral partnership. He recalled the positive contributions of the Indian community in Australia, and their role in fostering closer links between the two countries, a statement said.

Modi met Peter Dutton, Leader of the Opposition, and appreciated the strong bipartisan support enjoyed by the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the statement said.