Modi, Sam Mostyn discuss people-to-people ties during Australia visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met Australia's Governor-General Sam Mostyn and discussed the enduring ties between the two countries, with a focus on strong people-to-people links and a deepening bilateral partnership. The meeting took place during Modi's visit to Australia, the second leg of his three-nation tour.

The meeting followed Modi's talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi and Mostyn reviewed the growing depth and diversity of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and welcomed the expanding economic relationship between the two countries.

In a post on X, the MEA said 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". It added, "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."

The MEA said both sides expressed confidence that stronger links in trade, investment, education and innovation would create new opportunities and benefit people in both countries. It also said, "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."

Earlier, Modi met former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison and recalled the progress made in ties during his tenure. In a post on X, Modi said, "Always good to catch up with Mr. Scott Morrison, former Prime Minister of Australia. We had a great conversation on the India-Australia friendship." The MEA said the two discussed the "significant progress made in the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" and "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". Morrison, who was prime minister from August 2018 to May 2022, said on X, "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."

Separately, Modi also met Victoria Governor Margaret Gardner AC at Government House in Victoria, where he received a ceremonial welcome in the presence of Albanese. The MEA said the occasion reaffirmed "the enduring strength of the India–Australia partnership". It said Modi and Gardner discussed growing education links between India and Victoria, including academic collaborations, research partnerships and student mobility, and noted that vibrant people-to-people ties remain a key pillar of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Overall, Modi's meetings in Australia focused on political, economic, educational and sporting links, along with the broader effort to strengthen the partnership between the two countries.

With PTI Inputs