India and Australia sign agreements in the field of migration, mobility partnership and Green Hydrogen

India and Australia on Wednesday signed agreements in the field of migration and mobility partnership and on the Green Hydrogen task force.

The Memorandum of Understandings were exchanged after a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Sydney.

The meeting covered a broad range of issues including cooperation in areas of trade and investment, defence and security, renewable energy, green hydrogen, critical minerals, education, migration and mobility, and people-to-people ties.

Both leaders also exchanged views on India’s initiatives under its G20 presidency, UN Security Council reform, and regional developments including the Indo-Pacific.

In a joint press statement after the meeting, Prime Minister Modi said the India-Australia ties are based on mutual trust and confidence.

He said they have constructive discussion on strengthening strategic cooperation in mining and critical minerals.

He added that the discussion was held on taking India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights. Mr. Modi invited Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and all Australian cricket fans to India for the Cricket World Cup this year.

The Prime Minister also said he had discussion with his Australian counterparts in the past on the issue of attack on temples in Australia and activities of separatist elements. 

He added that they will not accept any elements that harm the friendly and warm ties between the two countries by their action or thoughts. 

PM Modi said Prime Minister Albanese has assured him once again that he will take strict actions against such elements in the future also.

The Australian Prime Minister said the two countries reiterated their shared ambition for an early conclusion of the Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement later this year.

He also announced the establishment of a new Australian Consulate General in Bengaluru saying it will help connect Australian businesses to India's booming digital and innovation ecosystem.

Later, Prime Minister Modi also had a meeting with Governor-General of Australia David Hurley and discussed people-to-people connect and the strengthening of long-standing bilateral partnerships. 

Besides, PM. Modi had a meeting with Leader of Opposition Peter Dutton where he conveyed his appreciation for the strong bipartisan support that the two nations' partnership enjoys. He also discussed various aspects of bilateral ties, including people-to-people linkages, as well as regional developments.

Earlier, Mr. Modi was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour. Mr. Modi is in Australia, for the third and final leg of his three-nation tour.

His visit to Australia reinforces the strong priority attached by India and Australia to a bilateral relationship.

It comes within just two months of the state visit of the Australian Prime Minister to India in March this year.