Australian PM Praises India’s Economic Rise, Looks Forward to Hosting PM Modi Again

Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, on Thursday described India’s quick rise as an economy as “a remarkable opportunity” for the Indo-Pacific region and said he looks forward to be able to host India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Australia once again.While addressing the Parliament in Canberra, PM Albanese talked about India’s growing influence in the international community and said that not only is the nation the most populous country of the world, it will also become the third-largest economy in the current decade.“That is an extraordinary opportunity for us in our region. We are a Pacific nation, but we are also an Indian Ocean nation too,” PM Albanese said, stressing on the significance of improved India-Australia relations.According

to PM Albanese, the ties between India and Australia have become very strong in the recent years because of trade, cultural links, educational collaboration, and cricket. He also mentioned the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement that both countries signed in 2022 have further strengthened bilateral trade and economic engagement.PM Albanese also recalled his relationship with India when he first traveled there as a backpacker in 1991 and said that since then, he has been to India twice as the Prime Minister of Australia. “The best way to understand India is to travel by bus or train. It is a wonderful experience to see first-hand the warmth that is there,” he said.Speaking on Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit, Albanese expressed the pleasure he felt at having the opportunity to host the Indian Prime Minister once again in Australia, adding that he was eager to repeat this experience the second time around.He said that the visit would be made even more significant by Australia's million-strong Indian-origin community, which he described as the country's fastest-growing immigrant community. The contribution of the Indian diaspora to Australia was acknowledged by the PM, who said that they had played a vital role in boosting the economy and helping small businesses flourish in the country.“We are a better country because of you. My government will always stand up for you and your interests, and reject any attempt to divide,” he added.The last time Prime Minister Modi visited Australia was in May 2023.Meanwhile, The Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green shared a video clip of the speech by Albanese on social media, terming his close bond with India as making his diplomatic role "infinitely more meaningful".Prime Minister Modi has also met Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong earlier this week, where both discussed the increasing India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.Foreign Minister Penny Wong has visited India for participation in the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting as well as held talks with the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the 17th Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue in New Delhi.