Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Australia on Wednesday for a visit centered on strengthening bilateral ties, with a particular focus on defence cooperation, critical minerals, and uranium supply. Modi is expected to meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday to discuss these strategic issues.
The visit comes as India and Australia seek to deepen their partnership amid shared concerns over China’s growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Historically, relations between the two countries were complicated by differing Cold War allegiances, but recent years have seen closer engagement driven by mutual strategic interests and expanding trade ties.
A key agenda item during Modi’s meetings is securing a stable uranium supply from Australia. India, which plans to significantly increase its nuclear energy capacity, views uranium as essential to meeting its expanding electricity needs. Australia holds an estimated 28% of the world’s uranium reserves but has been cautious about uranium exports to India despite a nuclear cooperation agreement signed in 2015. Legal and regulatory barriers have limited actual trade, and officials are expected to discuss ways to overcome these obstacles.
In addition to uranium, India is pursuing access to other critical minerals such as lithium, which is vital for electric vehicle production and energy storage technology. Australia is a major supplier of these resources, making it a strategic partner for India’s ambitions in clean energy and technology sectors.
Both countries are members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) alongside the United States and Japan, a grouping seen as a counterbalance to China’s regional influence. However, with reports of reduced U.S. engagement in the Quad, India and Australia have increasingly focused on bilateral defence and security cooperation.
Modi is scheduled to participate in a community rally at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on Thursday evening, where organizers anticipate a turnout exceeding 20,000 people. This event follows a similar rally in Sydney during Modi’s 2023 visit that drew large crowds. Australian opposition groups plan protests outside the venue, with some criticizing the Indian government’s treatment of minority groups and others opposing Indian migration to Australia.
Following the Australia visit, Modi is set to continue his tour in New Zealand. The trip highlights both countries’ efforts to solidify ties amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and growing demand for critical resources vital to their economic and security strategies.