Modi meets Albanese at India-Australia CEO Forum in Melbourne
Synopsis
Modi's Melbourne visit is more than a bilateral courtesy call — it is the third annual summit of a partnership that both sides describe as never more consequential. With India now ranked the world's fourth-largest economy, Australia is leaning into the relationship on trade, defence, and Indo-Pacific stability, and the CEO Forum's relaunch in 2023 signals that business outcomes, not just diplomatic optics, are the measure of success.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi met Australian PM Anthony Albanese at the India-Australia CEO Forum in Melbourne on 9 July .
The two leaders will co-chair the 3rd Annual India-Australia Leaders' Summit .
The CEO Forum, active since 2012 , was relaunched by both leaders in 2023 to advise governments on bilateral economic growth.
Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora in Melbourne on Wednesday evening , with cultural performances including Kathak, Tabla-Didgeridoo fusion, and a rendition of 'Maa Tujhe Salaam'.
Australia described India as the world's fourth-largest and fastest-growing economy and a critical economic partner.
Modi is also scheduled to call on Governor-General Sam Mostyn during the visit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Australian counterpart Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne on Thursday, 9 July as both leaders arrived for the India-Australia CEO Forum. Albanese welcomed Modi at the venue, where the two posed for photographs ahead of a session with top business leaders from both countries. Modi is scheduled to address the assembled executives as part of the forum's annual engagement.
About the CEO Forum
The India-Australia CEO Forum has been active since 2012 and was relaunched jointly by Modi and Albanese in 2023. The forum convenes annually and advises heads of government on measures to boost economic prosperity across both nations. Throughout the year, it participates in a wide range of events aimed at deepening bilateral commercial and strategic ties.
Warm Welcome from Indian Diaspora
Modi's engagement in Melbourne began on Wednesday evening, when he received a rousing reception from members of the Indian community outside his hotel, with crowds braving cold weather and chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Modi, Modi'. Cultural performances by local artists accompanied the welcome.
'The weather in Melbourne may be cold but the warmth of the welcome from the Indian community was truly unforgettable. Their affection and unwavering bond with India continue to be a source of immense joy and pride,' Modi wrote on X.
Modi also praised a performance by the Australian-India Orchestra, which presented 'Maa Tujhe Salaam', calling it a demonstration of how 'music strengthens the bonds between our people' and noting the global resonance of Vande Mataram as it marks its 150th anniversary. He described a fusion performance featuring Australia's ancient Didgeridoo and India's Tabla as 'truly exceptional', and complimented performers Ron Murray and Dr. Sam Evans for their dedication to musical traditions. A Kathak performance also drew praise from the Prime Minister.
Summit Agenda and Bilateral Scope
Modi arrived in Melbourne from Indonesia and will co-chair the 3rd Annual India-Australia Leaders' Summit with Albanese. Beyond bilateral discussions, he is scheduled to call on Governor-General Sam Mostyn and address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora in the city.
'Landed in Melbourne, Australia. This visit will add vigour to the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. I look forward to the talks with Prime Minister Albanese,' Modi posted on X upon arrival.
Australia's Position on the Partnership
Ahead of the visit, Albanese described India as a critical economic partner, citing its status as the world's fourth-largest and fastest-growing economy. 'The Australia-India relationship has never been more consequential, and our partnership fosters peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,' Albanese said in a statement. 'I am honoured to welcome my friend Prime Minister Modi to Australia for our Annual Leaders' Summit,' he added.
The visit is expected to further deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across trade, defence, and people-to-people ties, with both sides keen to translate the forum's advisory outputs into concrete economic outcomes.
Point of View
But the real test is whether this third summit produces binding commercial commitments or remains an annual photo opportunity. With India's economic weight now undeniable and Australia seeking supply-chain diversification away from China, the strategic incentives for depth are stronger than ever — the question is whether the institutional machinery can keep pace with the ambition.
NationPress
9 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the India-Australia CEO Forum?
The India-Australia CEO Forum is an annual advisory body, active since 2012, that brings together senior business leaders from both countries to advise heads of government on ways to enhance bilateral economic prosperity. It was relaunched by PM Modi and PM Albanese in 2023.
What is the purpose of PM Modi's visit to Melbourne in July 2025?
PM Modi is in Melbourne to co-chair the 3rd Annual India-Australia Leaders' Summit with PM Albanese, participate in the CEO Forum, meet Governor-General Sam Mostyn, and engage with the Indian diaspora. The visit aims to deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across trade, defence, and people-to-people ties.
How did the Indian community in Melbourne receive PM Modi?
Members of the Indian diaspora turned out in large numbers outside Modi's hotel on Wednesday evening, braving cold weather, with chants of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Modi, Modi'. Cultural performances including Kathak, a Tabla-Didgeridoo fusion, and the Australian-India Orchestra's rendition of 'Maa Tujhe Salaam' were part of the welcome.
What did Australian PM Albanese say about India ahead of the summit?
Albanese described India as the world's fourth-largest and fastest-growing economy and a critical economic partner for Australia. He said the Australia-India relationship 'has never been more consequential' and expressed enthusiasm for strengthening the partnership.
What is the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership?
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is the overarching framework governing bilateral ties between India and Australia, covering trade, defence, education, and Indo-Pacific security. The annual leaders' summit is the highest-level mechanism for advancing commitments under this framework.
