PM Modi, Albanese Attend India-Australia CEO Forum in Melbourne, Boost Economic Ties

July 9, 2026

Melbourne: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese on Thursday participated in the India-Australia CEO Forum in Melbourne, reaffirming their commitment to deepening economic cooperation and strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

The two leaders met leading business executives from India and Australia, with discussions focusing on expanding trade, investment and commercial collaboration across key sectors.

CEO Forum Aims to Strengthen Economic Partnership

The India-Australia CEO Forum, which has been active since 2012 and was relaunched in 2023 by Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Albanese, serves as a platform for business leaders to provide recommendations to both governments on enhancing bilateral economic prosperity.

The forum meets annually and engages throughout the year to promote stronger business ties and support cooperation in trade, investment and other priority sectors.

PM Modi to Hold Bilateral Talks with Albanese

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will co-chair the 3rd Annual India-Australia Summit with Prime Minister Albanese. The leaders are expected to hold bilateral discussions aimed at advancing cooperation across multiple sectors under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Besides meeting the Australian Prime Minister, Modi is also scheduled to call on Australia’s Governor-General, Sam Mostyn.

Warm Welcome from Indian Diaspora

Prime Minister Modi received a grand welcome from members of the Indian community upon his arrival in Melbourne on Wednesday evening after concluding his visit to Indonesia.

Despite the cold weather, hundreds of members of the Indian diaspora gathered to welcome him with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Modi, Modi.” The reception featured several cultural performances showcasing India’s rich heritage.

Sharing his appreciation on social media, the Prime Minister described the welcome as “truly unforgettable” and thanked the Indian community for its warmth and continued connection with India.

He also praised performances by the Australian-India Orchestra, which presented “Maa Tujhe Salaam,” and appreciated a unique musical collaboration featuring Australia’s traditional Didgeridoo and India’s Tabla. Modi also lauded a Kathak dance performance, saying it reflected the growing popularity of Indian culture in Australia.

Australia Visit Part of Three-Nation Tour

Australia is the second leg of Prime Minister Modi’s three-nation tour. Following his engagements in Melbourne, he will travel to New Zealand for talks with the country’s leadership aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.