India, Australia sign migration pact; to open new consulate in Brisbane

India and Australia are tightening their ties with a migration pact that will facilitate the movement of students, academics, and professionals. The agreement was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia, marking a significant stride in the countries' bilateral relations.

“Prime Minister and I are pleased to have just witnessed the exchange of the Australia-India migration and mobility partnership agreement. This arrangement will promote the exchange of students, graduates, researchers and businesspeople, expand our people to people ties and enhance cooperation in preventing people smuggling,” Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at a joint press briefing after the two leaders concluded their bilateral meeting in Sydney.

This development marks the sixth interaction between Modi and Albanese since the Australian leader assumed office in May last year. Their diplomatic dialogues have ranged from the Quad Leaders Summit in 2022 to the recent G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan.

India also plans to set up a new consulate in Brisbane, adding to the existing consulates in Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney.

As part of their climate agenda, the two nations finalized the Terms of Reference for the India-Australia Hydrogen Task Force. Targeting green hydrogen opportunities, the task force is a commitment to meeting energy targets and reducing global emissions.

The meeting also witnessed the finalization of the Terms of Reference for the India-Australia Hydrogen Task Force. This initiative, targeting green hydrogen opportunities, will report to the bilateral ministerial dialogue. Albanese underscored that investments like this task force would bolster industry, assist in achieving energy targets, and support global emissions reduction efforts.

During their interaction, the leaders also expressed optimism over progress towards a comprehensive economic agreement and exchanged views on defense and security, critical minerals, and education.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar also conducted a meeting with his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, during this diplomatic visit. Prime Minister Modi held additional meetings with Australia's Governor-General David Hurley and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.