‘Much To Discuss’: Australian PM Condoles Red Fort Attack, Saudi Bus Crash During Bilateral With PM Modi

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday offered his condolences to India over the recent Red Fort terror attack and the tragic bus accident in Saudi Arabia that killed several Indian Umrah

pilgrims.

His remarks came during a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Albanese highlighted the depth of the partnership between the two nations. “We have much to discuss, and our relationship is very strong. I think the economic relationship we can strengthen further, and our defence and security ties are also very important going forward. And I look forward to our discussion today,” he said.

#WATCH | Johannesburg, South Africa: Australian PM Anthony Albanese expresses condolences over the Red Fort terrorist attack and the bus crash in Saudi Arabia, in which several Indian Umrah pilgrims lost their lives

He further says, “…We have much to discuss, and our… https://t.co/P40OyAawGv pic.twitter.com/uAZIQe3S3A

— ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2025

After the meeting with PM Modi, Albanese took to X and wrote, “Australia and India are great friends and partners. From trade, defence and security to education and clean energy, our relationship is fundamentally important. Wonderful to catch up with my friend Prime Minister Modi ahead of the G20 Summit.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared a post informing that both the leaders discussed three key sectors, defence and security, nuclear energy, and trade—during the meeting.

“Had a very good meeting with PM Albanese of Australia. This year, the strategic partnership between our nations completes 5 years and these years have witnessed transformative outcomes that have deepened our cooperation. During our talks today, emphasised three key sectors, defence and security, nuclear energy and trade, where there is immense potential for ties to grow further. The other sectors discussed included education, cultural exchanges and more,” he wrote on X.

Had a very good meeting with PM Albanese of Australia. This year, the strategic partnership between our nations completes 5 years and these years have witnessed transformative outcomes that have deepened our cooperation.

During our talks today, emphasised three key sectors,… pic.twitter.com/SjPixu4iek

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 21, 2025

This comes only a day after Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi, where the two leaders reviewed the full range of cooperation between India and Australia. Their discussions covered progress across all pillars of the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Both ministers co-chaired the 16th India–Australia Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue (FMFD), which took place in the capital.

During the talks, they also shared assessments on developments in the Indo-Pacific region and reiterated their joint commitment to maintaining a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.