At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to India from March 8–11. His visit will mark the first visit by an Australian PM to India since 2017.
“This will be my first visit to India as Prime Minister and I look forward to reinforcing the strong bond between our two countries," Albanese said ahead of his crucial visit to the country.
The Australian PM's trip to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi will strengthen the country's strategic, economic, and interpersonal connections with India, a critical ally and trading partner.
Albanese will join Modi in New Delhi for the Australia-India Annual Leaders' Conference. The Prime Ministers will speak on cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, renewable energy, technology, and defense. The visit will also showcase close links in education and culture, a news release noted.
“Our relationship with India is strong but it can be stronger. It is underpinned by our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which underscores a joint commitment to working together to enhance our defense, economic, and technological interests," Albanese said.
He continued, “As we look to the future, India will continue to be an important partner and close friend to Australia. I look forward to hosting Prime Minister Modi in Australia mid-year for the Quad Leaders’ Summit and to visit India again in September for the G20 Leaders’ Summit.”
In Gujarat, Albanese and Modi will witness the Fourth Test Match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, played between India and Australia, two cricket-loving nations.
According a government statement, Commerce and Tourism Minister Don Farrell and Resources Minister Madeleine King will lead a team of prominent Australian business executives and accompany the Prime Minister on his visit.
The business delegation will attend the Australia-India CEO Forum in Mumbai, where they will discuss the recent Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement and prospective areas of company-to-business collaboration with their Indian counterparts.
