Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to take the relationship with Australia to the “next level” including closer defence and security ties to help ensure an "open and free" Indo-Pacific. In an interview to “The Australian” newspaper, PM Modi said the Indo-Pacific region faces a number of challenges such as climate change, terrorism, security of sea lanes of communication and piracy, and asserted that India believes they can be addressed only through shared efforts.
PM Modi arrived in Australia on Monday, the last leg of his three-nation visit tour during which he will hold talks with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese and attend a community event to celebrate the country's dynamic, diverse Indian diaspora.
"I am not a person who gets satisfied easily," he told the newspaper.
"I have seen that Prime Minister Albanese is the same. I am confident that when we are together again in Sydney, we will get the opportunity to explore how we can take our relations to the next level, identify new areas of complementariness and can expand our cooperation," he added.
Modi told the newspaper that he wants the two countries to push to realise the true potential of closer defence and security ties amid increasing defence links between the two countries recently.
"As two democracies, India and Australia have shared interests in a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. There is alignment of our strategic viewpoints," he said.
"The high degree of mutual trust between us has naturally translated into greater cooperation on defence and security matters. Our navies are participating in joint naval exercises," he said.
During the interview, PM Modi turned down the suggestion that India’s “refusal” to criticise Russia would be harmful for its bilateral ties with Australia, as it has been highly critical of Moscow over its war with Ukraine.
"An advantage of being good friends is that we can discuss freely and appreciate each other's viewpoint. Australia understands India's position and it does not impact our bilateral relationship," Modi said.
Since the last visit the bilateral relationship has been "fundamentally transformed" by annual summits, an economic cooperation and trade agreement, and the elevation of relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, he added.
"We have progressed significantly in the areas of defence, security, investment, education, water, climate change and renewable energy, sports, science, health, culture, among others," Modi told the newspaper.