PM Modi leaves for New Zealand after concluding Australia visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for New Zealand after wrapping up his visit to Australia, the second stop of his three-nation diplomatic tour, where India and Australia significantly expanded their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
During his stay in Australia, Modi held wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, resulting in 18 key outcomes across sectors including trade, defence, critical minerals, clean energy, education and technology. The two leaders also agreed to accelerate negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
The Prime Minister also met Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Victoria Governor Margaret Gardner and former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to discuss ways to deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen people-to-people ties.
A major highlight of the visit was Modi's address to the Indian diaspora in Melbourne, attended by nearly 30,000 people. In his speech, he described the Indian community as a vital bridge between the two nations, saying, "The milk at home might be Australian, but the tea brewed is Indian." He also highlighted India's achievements in defence, digital governance, innovation and economic growth.
Modi is now heading to New Zealand for the final leg of his three-nation tour. During the visit, he is expected to hold bilateral talks with New Zealand's leadership on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, education, agriculture, technology, defence and Indo-Pacific security.
The visit is expected to further deepen India-New Zealand ties and reinforce India's engagement with key partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
