From T20s to Test matches, PM Modi uses cricket to pitch India's deepening ties with Australia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday drew on the shared love of cricket to illustrate the growing depth and pace of the India-Australia relationship, likening the two countries' bilateral engagement to the sport's different formats.

Standing alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after their summit talks in Melbourne, Modi said cricket had become the "diplomatic language" of the partnership, using the analogy to describe how the relationship has evolved.

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"As we are here in Melbourne -- the sports capital of the world -- not talking about sports would be like not starting a cricket match after the toss," PM Modi said.

"Cricket is the diplomatic language of India-Australia relations. That is why our meetings, too, resemble cricket: The agenda -- focused like a one-day match," he said.

"Decisions -- swift like a T20 game, And the partnership-long and deep, like a Test match," he added.

Modi also said the two countries would have fresh opportunities to deepen cooperation through sport, with both India and Australia set to host major international events in the coming years.

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"In the coming years, both countries will host major sporting events such as the Olympic and Commonwealth Games. This will not only enhance our sports cooperation but also create numerous opportunities for investment in sports infrastructure," the prime minister said.

The remarks came after the two leaders held wide-ranging talks that culminated in a series of agreements covering civil nuclear energy, maritime security and critical minerals, further expanding the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Modi arrived in Australia on Wednesday from Indonesia on the second leg of his three-nation tour, which is focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, energy and defence amid an increasingly fragmented global geopolitical landscape.