India and Australia have reaffirmed their growing partnership as Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded high-level talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne on Thursday. Later, addressing a gathering of around 30,000 members of the Indian community, PM Modi spoke about the close cultural bond shared by overseas Indians with their homeland while highlighting India’s economic and technological progress.

The bilateral meeting expanded the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with both countries announcing 18 outcomes covering areas such as defence, energy, trade and critical technologies.

PM Modi highlights Indian identity abroad

Welcoming the large turnout, PM Modi described the event as a “houseful” gathering and said he had been looking forward to meeting the Indian community in Melbourne after interacting with them twice earlier in Sydney.

Using a light-hearted example, he said that while many Indian families in Australia use Australian milk at home, the tea they prepare remains distinctly Indian. He added that even when vegetables and lentils are sourced locally, the authentic Indian flavour comes from Indian spices, reflecting how the community has preserved its cultural roots while contributing to Australia’s growth.

The Prime Minister also said many Indian families manage two time zones every day, with children following Australian schedules while grandparents in India wait to connect through video calls, showing how closely overseas Indians remain connected to their homeland.

India-Australia partnership continues to expand

Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held wide-ranging discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

In a post on X after the meeting, PM Modi said the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership launched in 2022 has continued to expand and both countries have decided to accelerate work on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation framework.

The leaders announced 18 outcomes that further strengthen collaboration across defence, clean energy, trade, critical technologies and other strategic sectors.

PM Modi highlights India’s progress

During his address, PM Modi said India’s defence capabilities are gaining global recognition and referred to Operation Sindoor as an example of the country’s resolve against terrorism.

He also highlighted the success of the Make in India initiative, saying Indian-made mobile phones, electronics, automobiles and pharmaceutical products are reaching markets around the world.

Speaking about governance reforms, the Prime Minister said India has simplified public services through self-attestation and digital initiatives such as DigiLocker, allowing citizens to securely store, verify and share official documents online.

India’s global role and startup growth

PM Modi said India has earned international trust by extending humanitarian assistance without discrimination, adding that relief operations launched after the recent earthquake in Venezuela reflected India’s commitment to helping countries in times of crisis.

He also highlighted India’s emergence as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem and said an Indian space startup is preparing to launch a satellite using its own rocket for the first time.

Concluding his address, PM Modi said the India-Australia trade agreement continues to deliver benefits for both countries and expressed confidence that cooperation between New Delhi and Canberra will continue to deepen in the years ahead.

France have suffered a significant setback ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal against Morocco after FIFA rejected the team’s appeal against Michael Olise’s yellow card received in the Round of 16.

Head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed that world football’s governing body decided to uphold the booking, leaving one of France’s standout performers at risk of suspension if he receives another yellow card in the quarterfinal.

Speaking to reporters before the clash at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Deschamps said the federation had been informed that the decision would stand.

“The yellow card has not changed. We were notified by FIFA this morning, it has been maintained,” the France coach said.

Olise now walking a disciplinary tightrope

Olise was booked during the closing stages of France’s last-16 victory over Paraguay following an altercation with Matias Galarza in a heated contest.

Television replays appeared to show minimal contact between the players. During the incident, the Bayern Munich winger placed his finger in front of his mouth before Galarza went to the ground, claiming he had been struck in the face.

With FIFA refusing to overturn the booking, Olise will miss a potential semifinal if he is cautioned again against Morocco.

France also have Bradley Barcola and Manu Kone carrying yellow cards after both players were booked in the same match against Paraguay. Another booking for either player in the quarterfinal would also result in suspension for a possible semifinal.

Tchouameni continues recovery

Deschamps also provided an update on midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who missed the victory over Paraguay because of a thigh injury.

The France coach said the midfielder has shown signs of improvement and could return to training, although a final decision on his availability will depend on his fitness assessment.

Deschamps added that the rest of the squad remains available ahead of the crucial knockout fixture against Morocco.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for closer cooperation between India and Australia, saying the two nations should strengthen their partnership as the world grapples with uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and an energy crisis triggered by ongoing tensions in West Asia.

Speaking at the India-Australia CEOs Forum during his visit to Australia, the Prime Minister said the changing global environment makes it essential for both countries to work together as reliable and trusted partners.

“We are living through a period of uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and an energy crisis. At such a time, it is natural and necessary for India and Australia to move forward as natural and trusted partners,” PM Modi said.

He noted that India and Australia have established a strong foundation for future cooperation by building on each other’s strengths over the past few years.

ECTA has strengthened economic ties

Highlighting growing trade relations, PM Modi said the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), signed in 2022, has significantly boosted bilateral economic engagement.

According to the Prime Minister, exports from India to Australia have doubled since the agreement came into effect, while businesses in both countries have gained improved access to each other’s markets.

He said the trade pact has created new opportunities for companies and strengthened economic cooperation between the two nations.

PM Modi calls for wider regional and sectoral collaboration

The Prime Minister also stressed that India-Australia cooperation should extend beyond interactions between national capitals.

He proposed expanding partnerships across states, cities, universities and industries to unlock greater economic potential.

PM Modi suggested identifying dedicated state-to-state and sector-to-sector collaborations and preparing strategies to advance them. He said India remains committed to taking business ties with Australia to new heights and expressed confidence that the CEOs Forum would generate fresh ideas, partnerships and investment opportunities.

Three-nation tour focused on trade and strategic cooperation

PM Modi is on a six-day visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand from July 6. The tour is aimed at strengthening trade and investment, deepening strategic partnerships, engaging with business leaders and interacting with the Indian diaspora.

During his Australia visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in addition to participating in business and community engagements.