PM Modi departs for Australia after successful Indonesia visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday departed for Australia after completing his three-day visit to Indonesia, as part of his six-day diplomatic tour aimed at strengthening India's strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
During his Indonesia visit, PM Modi held talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The visit marked Modi's first bilateral trip to Indonesia after India and Indonesia elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018.
The Prime Minister also received Indonesia's highest honour, the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, from President Prabowo. Modi dedicated the recognition to the people of India and highlighted the historic and cultural bonds shared by the two nations.
After Indonesia, PM Modi will travel to Melbourne, Australia, where he is scheduled to hold discussions with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework. The talks are expected to focus on defence and security cooperation, trade, investment, education, mobility, emerging technologies and people-to-people ties.
The visit also includes interactions with the Indian diaspora in Australia, which has emerged as an important link in bilateral relations. The trip is part of India's broader Act East Policy and vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Following Australia, PM Modi is scheduled to visit New Zealand, making it the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in four decades. The three-nation tour concludes on July 11.
