Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi deepened the two nations’ ties during the 2nd India-Australia Annual Summit, held alongside the G20 Summit in Brazil.
A key highlight was the official launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP), a pivotal initiative aimed at boosting investment in solar energy, green hydrogen, and energy storage.
“This partnership underscores our shared ambition to drive climate action and transition to net-zero emissions,” the leaders said in a joint statement.
PM Albanese added that the collaboration includes establishing the India-Australia Rooftop Solar Academy in 2025, which will train 2,000 young Indian technicians in renewable energy skills.
“This new partnership will boost two-way investment in the renewable energy sectors in things like solar, green hydrogen and the renewables workforce. We are doing so much work together on driving renewable energy transition to meet our net zero targets,” Albanese posted on X.
The leaders also celebrated the 40% surge in bilateral trade since the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) came into effect and pledged to finalise a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
Modi highlighted defence cooperation, joint military exercises, and the strengthening of critical minerals supply chains as areas of progress.
“It’s always wonderful to meet my good friend, PM Albanese. The talks were extremely fruitful and our focus will remain on futuristic sectors which will further global growth and sustainability,” he posted on X.
Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s support for India’s community and students in Australia, announcing mobility programmes such as the Working Holiday Maker Visa and the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES).
The summit further solidified ties in education, with Australian universities establishing campuses in India, and sports collaboration, focusing on training and workforce development.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the increasing two-way trade, business engagements, and market access for goods and services enabled under the landmark India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).
Meanwhile, PM Albanese accepted India’s invitation to attend the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in 2025.
“PM Albanese has accepted our invitation for the QUAD Summit to be hosted by India next year,”
PM Modi said.
Looking ahead, the leaders agreed and reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN centrality and Indo-Pacific stability. The summit concluded with a shared vision for an inclusive, resilient, and prosperous global order.
The discussions showcased India and Australia’s growing partnership, setting the stage for transformative collaborations in the years to come.
The G20, comprising the world’s major economies, is a key forum for addressing global economic challenges. Its members account for 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and 80% of the global population. Established in 1999 after the 1997-98 financial crisis, the G20 holds annual leaders’ summits, with guest countries invited each year.
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