From Nuclear Pacts to Marvel Stadium: Modi's Whirlwind Day in Australia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday capped a day of high-stakes diplomacy in Melbourne with a rousing address to nearly 30,000 members of the Indian diaspora at Marvel Stadium. The event came just hours after India and Australia signed a series of agreements covering civil nuclear energy, defence, maritime security, cyber technology and critical minerals , signalling a major push in bilateral ties.

Australia confirmed the signing of an administrative arrangement to export uranium to India for peaceful purposes . Modi said the agreement would provide a "new impetus" to India's clean energy ambitions. The two countries also unveiled a joint declaration on defence and security , a maritime security roadmap , and a new partnership on cyber and critical technologies, along with plans to establish a critical minerals corridor.

During their talks, Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed to accelerate negotiations on the long-pending Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and work towards a bilateral investment treaty aimed at boosting trade and investment.

Earlier in the day, the two leaders addressed the Australia-India CEOs Forum , where more than 200 business leaders discussed opportunities in India's manufacturing, clean energy and artificial intelligence sectors. Both sides highlighted the growing economic partnership and the potential for deeper collaboration in emerging industries.

At the evening's "Melbourne Meets Modi" event, described as the largest gathering for any world leader in Australia's history, Modi praised the Indian community for strengthening ties between the two nations. Referring to Operation Sindoor , he said the world was witnessing the capability and credibility of India's defence platforms. He also spoke about India's rapid 5G rollout , the success of the Chandrayaan Moon landing , and the country's plans to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games .

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan welcomed the crowd and noted that Melbourne is home to more Australians of Indian origin than anywhere else in the country. Modi also struck a lighter note by mentioning the growing trend of "bhajan clubbing" among Gen Z and joking about the diaspora's creative use of Australian ingredients in desi cooking , drawing loud cheers from the audience.

This was Modi's third visit to Australia and his first visit to Melbourne in twelve years . The Australia leg forms part of a three-nation tour that began in Indonesia , and the prime minister is now set to travel to New Zealand , the final stop of the trip.