Modi meets ex-Australian PM Morrison in Melbourne, reviews India-Australia strategic ties
Synopsis
On the sidelines of his Australia leg, PM Modi sat down with former PM Scott Morrison — the architect of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership — in Melbourne. The meeting signals that India's diplomatic continuity strategy now actively cultivates ex-leaders who built the frameworks that current governments inherit.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi met former Australian PM Scott Morrison in Melbourne on 9 July .
The two reviewed progress under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and recalled milestones from Morrison's tenure.
Both leaders posted about the meeting on X ; Morrison expressed confidence that bilateral ties would 'continue to reach greater heights.' Their previous in-person meeting was at the Quad Leaders' Summit in Washington on 23 September 2021 .
Modi will next travel to New Zealand as the final leg of his three-nation tour.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 9 July held a meeting with former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Melbourne, reviewing the substantial gains made under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reflecting on the diplomatic milestones achieved during Morrison's tenure. The meeting underscored the enduring personal rapport between the two leaders, even as Modi continues his three-nation tour with Australia as the second leg.
What the Leaders Said
Prime Minister Modi shared details of the meeting on X, writing: 'Always good to catch up with Mr. Scott Morrison, former Prime Minister of Australia. We had a great conversation on the India-Australia friendship.'
Morrison, responding on the same platform, expressed optimism about the bilateral relationship's trajectory. 'Thanks to PM Narendra Modi for the invitation to catch up in Melbourne today. Together we were able to elevate the Australian India relationship to its highest ever level. I wish him all the very best for his visit,' he posted. Morrison also revealed a lighter exchange, noting that Modi had enquired about his progress with Indian cooking — 'And yes, he did ask about how my Indian cooking was progressing,' he wrote.
Ministry of External Affairs Statement
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the meeting, stating that the two leaders 'discussed the significant progress made in the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' and 'warmly recalled significant strides made in India-Australia relations during Mr. Morrison's tenure that continue to strengthen the bonds between the people of India and Australia.'
History of the Modi-Morrison Partnership
The two leaders last met in person on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders' Summit in Washington on 23 September 2021. They also held the second India-Australia Virtual Summit on 21 March 2022, during which cooperation across a broad range of sectors was reviewed. Notably, on 10 June, Morrison had congratulated Modi on becoming India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister, calling him a 'true statesman who has transformed India's economy and standing in the world' and expressing pride in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the two leaders built together.
Modi's Australia Visit and What Comes Next
Prime Minister Modi is in Australia as part of the second leg of a three-nation tour. Following the conclusion of his Australian engagements, he is scheduled to travel to New Zealand, where discussions with that country's leadership are planned to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation across key sectors. The Melbourne meeting with Morrison signals that India's diplomatic outreach extends beyond incumbent governments to sustaining relationships with influential former leaders who shaped the current strategic framework.
Point of View
Regardless of who holds office. Morrison was instrumental in elevating the India-Australia relationship to its 'highest ever level,' and Modi's outreach preserves that institutional memory. What mainstream coverage underplays is that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, launched under Morrison, still lacks full implementation across several agreed sectors — a gap that neither incumbent nor former leaders have publicly addressed. The warm optics of Melbourne should not obscure the unfinished business of the partnership's delivery.
NationPress
9 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did PM Modi meet former Australian PM Scott Morrison in Melbourne?
PM Modi met Scott Morrison in Melbourne on 9 July to discuss the progress made under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and to reflect on the bilateral milestones achieved during Morrison's tenure as Prime Minister. The meeting highlights India's approach of maintaining ties with influential former leaders who shaped the current strategic framework.
What is the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership?
The India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a bilateral framework that elevated diplomatic, trade, and security cooperation between the two countries to its highest level. It was a key achievement during Scott Morrison's time as Australian Prime Minister and continues to guide relations between the two nations.
When did Modi and Morrison last meet before the Melbourne meeting?
The two leaders last met in person on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders' Summit in Washington on 23 September 2021. They also held the second India-Australia Virtual Summit on 21 March 2022.
What is PM Modi's current international tour schedule?
PM Modi is on the second leg of a three-nation tour, currently in Australia. After concluding his Australian engagements, he is scheduled to travel to New Zealand to hold discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across key sectors.
What did Scott Morrison say about the meeting with PM Modi?
Morrison posted on X that together the two leaders were able to 'elevate the Australian India relationship to its highest ever level' and wished Modi well for the rest of his visit. He also revealed, in a lighter note, that Modi had asked about his progress with Indian cooking.
