Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne on July 9, 2026. — X/ @narendramodi
– Exports will be regulated under safeguards set by the IAEA.
– Both countries will collaborate to establish a temporary space tracking station.
– Albanese commended Modi’s leadership for strengthening international relations.
Modi announced during his visit to Australia that he secured a uranium supply deal, which is vital for advancing India’s nuclear energy goals. With an ever-growing demand for electricity, Modi plans to significantly expand nuclear power in the near future.
Although Australia holds approximately 28% of the world’s uranium reserves, regulatory and political challenges have previously limited exports to India. “Today, we finalized an important nuclear agreement,” Modi stated after discussions with Albanese. “This paves the way for Australian uranium to support India and boosts our clean energy initiatives.”
According to a joint statement, this agreement allows for long-term uranium exports strictly for peaceful purposes, with adherence to IAEA safeguards. Albanese emphasized, “This arrangement helps Australia increase its non-fossil fuel energy capacity.”
A nuclear cooperation treaty signed in 2015 laid the groundwork for uranium exports between the two nations. Recently, their relationship has grown closer, partly driven by a shared interest in countering China’s military ambitions and expanding trade outside of China.
The leaders also agreed to enhance defense cooperation and strengthen supply chains for critical minerals. Additionally, they plan to build a temporary space tracking facility on Australia’s Cocos Keeling Islands, which will support Indian space launches, according to the joint statement.
Prime Minister Albanese appeared cheerful during a selfie moment with Modi earlier in the day. He has jokingly called Modi “The Boss,” suggesting he can draw larger crowds than U.S. rock star Bruce Springsteen.
Albanese praised Modi’s role in boosting the partnership between the two countries, saying, “Your leadership and personal involvement have been central to these developments.”
India’s diaspora in Australia has surged sharply, making it the largest overseas community in the country. Last year’s statistics confirmed that Indian-born residents now outnumber those from Britain—a significant demographic shift.
Modi is expected to receive a warm welcome at an upcoming community rally in Melbourne, with organizers anticipating over 20,000 attendees. However, his visit is also likely to provoke opposition protests, including concerns over perceived radical Hindu nationalism at home. Australia’s Alliance Against Islamophobia plans to protest outside the rally, highlighting issues faced by minority groups in India.
Anti-immigration demonstrators have also assembled beforehand, carrying signs like “Put Australians First.” After Australia, Modi is scheduled to travel to New Zealand.
