Albanese eyes Modi visit to Australia, hails India-Australia ties
Synopsis
Australian PM Albanese told his own parliament that hosting Modi is a 'privilege' he looks forward to repeating — and backed it with a sweeping case for why India matters to Australia: the world's most populous nation on its way to becoming the third-largest economy, a million-strong diaspora, and a trade pact already reshaping bilateral commerce. The visit, when confirmed, would be a diplomatic landmark.
Key Takeaways
Australian PM Anthony Albanese told parliament on 28 May that he looks forward to hosting PM Narendra Modi in Australia 'soon', describing it as a second-time 'privilege'.
Albanese cited the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) as a key pillar of India-Australia trade ties.
He projected India will become the third largest economy in the world within the current decade.
The one-million-strong Indian-Australian community was highlighted as the largest growing migrant community in Australia.
Australia's High Commissioner Philip Green shared the remarks on X, publicly welcoming a Modi visit.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on 28 May declared that he looks forward to hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Australia 'soon', describing the upcoming visit as a 'privilege' he is eager to repeat. Speaking before the Australian Parliament in Canberra, Albanese offered an expansive tribute to the India-Australia relationship, anchoring it in trade, culture, education, and cricket.
What Albanese Said
Albanese projected India's economic trajectory as a defining opportunity for Australia, noting that India 'will grow to be the third largest economy in the world over this decade.' He pointed to the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) as a structural pillar of the bilateral trade relationship and recalled his personal connection to India, dating back to a backpacking trip in 1991.
'When I first visited India as a backpacker way back in 1991 ... I do want to say, if you want to understand India, get on a video bus or train. It is a wonderful experience to see firsthand the warmth that is there,' Albanese said.
On the upcoming Modi visit, he added: 'Now, likewise, will have the privilege of hosting Prime Minister Modi here soon, a privilege I look forward to repeating for the second time.'
The Indian Diaspora Factor
Albanese placed the one-million-strong Indian-Australian community — described as the 'largest growing migrant community in Australia' — at the centre of his remarks. He credited the diaspora with strengthening economic and social ties between the two nations, citing 'generations of hard work and aspiration' and the contribution of Indian-owned small businesses.
'We are a better country because of you. My government will always stand up for you and your interests. We will reject any attempt to divide,' he said, in a pointed message of solidarity.
Australia's High Commissioner Responds on X
Australia's High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, shared Albanese's address on X, writing: 'When your Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks with so much conviction and passion about India — the country where you serve as the High Commissioner — it makes your job infinitely more meaningful. We look forward to welcoming you to Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji.'
The post underscored the diplomatic warmth surrounding the anticipated visit, signalling coordinated messaging from both the parliamentary and diplomatic tracks.
Broader Context
This comes amid a sustained elevation of the India-Australia partnership under both governments. The two countries are Comprehensive Strategic Partners, and the ECTA — which came into force in December 2022 — has already expanded two-way trade in goods and services. Albanese has visited India twice as Prime Minister, and a reciprocal Modi visit to Australia would mark a significant milestone in the relationship's momentum. Notably, cricket — a cultural bridge Albanese invoked explicitly — has long served as an informal diplomatic lubricant between the two nations.
With the visit yet to be formally scheduled, both governments are expected to confirm dates through diplomatic channels in the weeks ahead.
Point of View
Not merely symbolic. The ECTA reference is significant because the agreement has faced implementation friction; reaffirming it from the parliamentary floor gives it renewed political cover. What the speech does not do is set a date — and in diplomacy, an unscheduled visit is still an aspiration. The real test of this warmth will be whether the Modi visit materialises before Australia's electoral calendar shifts the political calculus.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is PM Modi expected to visit Australia?
No formal date has been announced. Australian PM Anthony Albanese said on 28 May that he looks forward to hosting PM Modi 'soon', describing it as a visit he is eager to repeat for the second time. Dates are expected to be confirmed through diplomatic channels.
What is the ECTA between India and Australia?
The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) is a bilateral trade pact between India and Australia that came into force in December 2022. It has expanded two-way trade in goods and services and was cited by Albanese as a key pillar of the bilateral economic relationship.
What did Albanese say about the Indian-Australian community?
Albanese described the Indian-Australian community as the 'largest growing migrant community in Australia', numbering over one million. He credited the diaspora with strengthening bilateral ties through hard work, small businesses, and cultural contribution, pledging his government's support for their interests.
How has Australia's High Commissioner responded to Albanese's speech?
Australia's High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, shared Albanese's address on X and wrote that hearing the Prime Minister speak with 'conviction and passion about India' made his role 'infinitely more meaningful'. He also publicly extended a welcome to PM Modi for the upcoming visit.
What is the current status of India-Australia bilateral relations?
India and Australia are Comprehensive Strategic Partners. Their relationship spans trade, defence, education, and cultural ties, underpinned by the ECTA. Albanese has visited India twice as Prime Minister; a reciprocal Modi visit to Australia would be a significant milestone in the partnership's trajectory.
