Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described India's economic trajectory as remarkable, predicting the country will become the world's third-largest economy before the end of this decade. Speaking in Parliament in Canberra, Albanese said the rise presents a major opportunity for the entire Indo-Pacific region.

He recalled his first visit to India as a backpacker in 1991, noting that he has returned several times since, including twice in his current capacity as Prime Minister.

Train travel remark draws attention

Sharing his personal experiences, Albanese remarked that travelling across India by bus or train remains the most authentic way to grasp the country's essence. "Travelling by train is the best way to understand India," he said, pointing to the nation's diversity, pace of development, and growing global influence.

His comments come at a time when India-Australia relations have seen significant deepening across multiple sectors, including trade, defence, education, and cultural exchange.

Growing strategic partnership

Albanese emphasised that Australia's geographic position as both a Pacific and Indian Ocean nation makes its partnership with India strategically vital. He noted that ties between Canberra and New Delhi have strengthened considerably in recent years, with cooperation expanding beyond traditional areas into newer domains such as critical technologies and renewable energy.

The Australian PM also highlighted sporting links, particularly cricket, as an area that continues to bring the two countries closer.

Modi likely to visit in July

According to sources familiar with the schedule, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to Australia in early July. Albanese confirmed he looks forward to hosting Modi again, their second meeting in Australia following the Prime Minister's previous visit in May 2023.

Officials indicated that the upcoming visit would focus on further cementing economic and strategic ties, with several agreements expected to be finalised.

Defence ministers to meet next week

Meanwhile, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles will arrive in New Delhi next week for the second India-Australia Defence Ministers' Dialogue. He is scheduled to hold talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Marles described Australia and India as now being "top security partners", noting that defence relations between the two countries have witnessed unprecedented progress. The discussions are expected to cover maritime security, joint exercises, and deeper operational cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

Initial reports indicate that both sides are likely to announce new initiatives aimed at enhancing military interoperability. Local authorities in New Delhi have begun preparatory arrangements for the high-level engagements scheduled over the coming weeks.