Australia and India have announced a landmark agreement aimed at strengthening economic, defence and technology ties, with the two countries’ leaders describing the relationship as one of the most significant in the Indo-Pacific.

The deal – struck during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia this week – includes greater cooperation in critical minerals, clean energy, artificial intelligence, education and defence, while expanding trade opportunities between the two nations.

It builds on years of growing strategic cooperation as both countries seek to reduce reliance on traditional supply chains.

Modi’s visit has been met with large crowds from the Indian-Australian community, alongside small protests over migration and human rights issues. Security was heightened for the visit, with police removing a far-right protester who disrupted proceedings outside the Indian leader’s hotel.

With more than one million Australians now claiming Indian heritage, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the agreement reflected the deep people-to-people links between the two countries and marks a new chapter in one of Australia’s fastest-growing international partnerships.

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