CANBERRA, Australia, Jul 12 – India and Australia have expanded cooperation in education, science, technology and space exploration following talks between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Modi’s visit to Australia.
The two leaders announced a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration in critical technologies, skills development, research and innovation, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership, designed to boost trilateral cooperation in critical and emerging technologies.
The leaders also unveiled plans for a temporary space tracking terminal on Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands to support India’s ambitious Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Programme.
The facility will help track the launch of four missions under India’s first human spaceflight programme, marking a significant milestone in Australia-India cooperation in the space sector.
“Today’s talks have delivered unparalleled outcomes in areas such as renewable energy, climate action, nuclear energy, critical minerals, technology, education and more,” Modi said.
He added that the two countries had also agreed to strengthen defence and security cooperation while exploring opportunities in shipbuilding, ship repair and maintenance.
Education featured prominently in the discussions, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of expanding university partnerships and skills development programmes.
India remains Australia’s second-largest source of international students, with more than 140,000 Indian students enrolled in Australian institutions last year.
The leaders welcomed the approval granted to Flinders University to establish a campus in India, joining seven other Australian universities already authorised to operate in the country.
The move is expected to increase access to Australian higher education in India while fostering greater collaboration in research, innovation and economic development.
The two countries also pledged to strengthen vocational training through a partnership between Western Australian TAFE and Indian institutions to establish a Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Mining and Mining Equipment, Technology and Services.
Albanese described education, science and technology as key pillars of the Australia-India relationship.
“Australia and India are working together on the technologies that are shaping our future as partners with a relationship anchored in trust,” he said.
“We are excited to support India’s Gaganyaan space launch mission and demonstrate how Australia is a trusted partner in space exploration.”
Australian Education Minister Jason Clare said the education partnership was evolving beyond student mobility.
“It’s not just about Indian students studying in Australia. It’s increasingly about Australian universities taking the best of Australian education to India,” he said.
The leaders also welcomed the Maitri grants programme, which will provide AU$10 million in funding for 41 projects in 2026 aimed at supporting economic, cultural and research cooperation between the two countries.
The announcements underscore deepening ties between Australia and India as both nations seek closer collaboration in education, technology, innovation, defence and space exploration.
