H.E. Nagesh Singh, High Commissioner of India to Australia, met former Australian Prime Minister Mr Scott Morrison in Canberra on August 25 and discussed the enduring strength of India–Australia relations. Mr Morrison warmly recalled his friendship with Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi and reflected on the significant strides made in bilateral ties during his tenure. The Indian High Commission in Australia said the meeting underscored the “strong India–Australia partnership” and the enduring bonds between the peoples of the two countries.

The meeting followed Prime Minister Mr Modi’s three-day visit to Australia in July, during which he met Mr Morrison in Melbourne and discussed the remarkable progress achieved under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Sharing details of their interaction on X, Mr Modi said it was “always good to catch up” with the former Australian Prime Minister and described their conversation as an opportunity to reflect on the India–Australia friendship.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the two leaders reviewed the significant advancement in bilateral relations and fondly recalled milestones achieved during Mr Morrison’s tenure that continue to deepen cooperation. Mr Morrison, too, expressed confidence that the relationship would continue to reach greater heights, recalling how the two countries had elevated their partnership to its highest level during his time in office.

Adding a personal touch to the exchange, Mr Morrison revealed that Mr Modi had also enquired about his progress in cooking Indian cuisine. “And yes, he did ask about how my Indian cooking was progressing,” Mr Morrison wrote on X, providing a lighter moment amid discussions on a relationship that has steadily expanded across strategic, economic and people-to-people spheres.

During his Melbourne visit, Mr Modi also held bilateral talks with Australian Prime Minister Mr Anthony Albanese, met Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Victoria Governor Margaret Gardner AC, attended the Australia–India CEO Forum and participated in a reception with the Indian community. At the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Mr Modi and Mr Albanese launched the India–Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap, marking a further step towards cooperation in sports, sports science and sporting infrastructure.