Well, it’s wonderful to have had the opportunity to meet with my friend, Prime Minister Modi, here in Brazil. This is our tenth in person meeting since my Government was elected in 2022, and can I say, Prime Minister, how optimistic I feel about the friendship between our countries and our people, as well as our personal friendship. There is so much potential in the relationship between Australia and India. So much more we can do together to build a stronger, safer and more prosperous future for citizens in both of our countries. Today I am delighted to welcome the launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership. This is a significant milestone in our cooperation. Our new partnership will boost two way investment in renewable energy projects like solar PV manufacturing, battery and mineral processing, green hydrogen and green iron. Build the future renewable energy workforce, including through skills and training, and ultimately unlock economic opportunities to support the net zero transition. One of the key early projects under the partnership is the establishment next year of the India-Australia Rooftop Solar Academy. Australia will partner with India’s Skill Council for Green Jobs and the private sector to train 2000 young Indian technicians on solar PV. We’ll bring our expertise in training, curriculum development and our extensive experience on rooftop solar, where we are the largest producer per capita of rooftop solar in the world. The Academy aligns with India’s own initiative to install rooftop solar for 10 million households over just the next few years. This is a great example of practical cooperation between our two countries to develop the skills for the renewables workforce of the future. Australia’s relationship with India is also vital to regional security and stability. I’ve agreed with Prime Minister Modi that Australia and India will renew and enhance our Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation next year, reflecting the growing maturity of defence and security ties between our two countries since the initial declaration was made in 2009. Prime Minister Modi and I have also committed to developing a joint maritime security collaboration roadmap, including to deepen maritime domain awareness. Australia’s relationship with India is stronger, deeper and more consequential than ever before. We’re approaching the fifth anniversary of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and I know that both Prime Minister Modi and I place tremendous value on continuing to deepen the tie between our two great nations. I look forward to doing this through the measures that we have announced today and through the friendship and goodwill that exists between our people. Thank you.
NARENDRA MODI, PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA: Your Excellency, Anthony Albanese, friends from the media, Namaskar. Today we had a very productive meeting of the second India-Australia Annual Summit. In the last two years this was my eleventh meeting with my friend, Albanese. This is a symbol of new energy in our bilateral relations. After ECTA came into force in the last two years, our bilateral trade saw a 40 per cent increase. In the area of defence through joint exercises, exchange between young officers and deployment of our platforms, our relations have seen a new impetus. We have opened a new consulate in Brisbane, and Australia has opened one in Bengaluru. Two Australian universities have also opened campuses in India. Today, we had detailed discussions on our relations. Next year, our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will complete its five years. Defence industry, critical minerals, renewable energy, ship building, space and sports are areas where we will work on exploring new opportunities of cooperation. We will work on a mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. PM Albanese has assured me of his commitment to the interests of the Indian community, especially Indian students in Australia. Friends, we have been working together to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and we will continue to do so. We have stressed on dialogue and diplomacy to solve global conflicts and tensions. We also agree on the need to reform international institutions. Next year India will host the Quad Summit, and Prime Minister Albanese has accepted our invitation. I am certain that the India-Australia partnership will touch new heights in the coming years and will be a force for global good. Thank you.
