PM Narendra Modi meets Australia Governor General Mostyn, discusses bilateral ties

Melbourne: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met Australia's Governor-General Sam Mostyn and discussed "enduring" bilateral bonds, strong people-to-people ties and the strengthening of the "multifaceted partnership" between the two countries.

Modi is in Australia on the second leg of his three-nation visit. He arrived here from Indonesia on Wednesday.

He met Mostyn in Melbourne following his talks with the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.


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Modi and Mostyn "exchanged views on the enduring bonds between India and Australia, anchored in shared democratic values, strong people-to-people ties and growing cooperation across diverse sectors," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a post on X.

"PM expressed his satisfaction on the outcomes of his Summit with PM Albanese. PM also highlighted that the strong people-to-people ties are further strengthening the close and multifaceted partnership between the two countries," it said.

The two leaders exchanged views on the growing depth and diversity of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and welcomed the growing bilateral economic partnership, the MEA said in a statement.

They expressed confidence that expanding trade, investment, education, and innovation linkages would create new opportunities and benefit the people of both countries.

"Both leaders also expressed satisfaction at the growing sporting ties between the two countries and called for closer cooperation in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games 2030 to be hosted by India and the Olympics 2032 to be hosted in Australia," it said.

Earlier, Modi met former prime minister Scott Morrison and recalled the "significant strides" made in bilateral ties during his tenure.

"Always good to catch up with Mr. Scott Morrison, former Prime Minister of Australia. We had a great conversation on the India-Australia friendship," Modi said in a post on X.

Modi and Morrison discussed the "significant progress made in the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," the MEA said in a post on X.

"They warmly recalled significant strides made in India-Australia relations during Mr. Morrison's tenure that continue to strengthen the bonds between the people of India and Australia," it said.

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Morrison was the prime minister of Australia from August 2018 to May 2022.

In a post on X, he thanked Modi for the invitation to meet in Melbourne.

"Together we were able to elevate the Australian India relationship to its highest ever level. I wish him all the very best for his visit. And yes, he did ask about how my Indian cooking was progressing," Morrison said.

Separately, Modi also met Victoria Governor Margaret Gardner AC at the Government House in Victoria.

He received a ceremonial welcome there in the presence of his Australian counterpart Albanese. It reaffirmed "the enduring strength of the India-Australia partnership," the MEA said in a social media post.

Modi and Gardner discussed the growing educational linkages between India and Victoria, including academic collaborations, research partnerships and student mobility, the MEA said.

"They noted that the vibrant people-to-people ties between the two countries is a key pillar of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," it added.