US, Australia commit $580 million in support for Pacific Islands

September 2, 2026 9:38 AM

US, Australia commit $580 million in support for Pacific Islands

The United States and Australia on Wednesday announced a combined $580 million in funding for the Pacific Islands, as both nations battle China for influence in the region. Australia will offer a A$600 million ($430 million) package to combat drug smuggling in the region at a meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, including funds for enhanced aerial surveillance and more training for police and border officials. "The Pacific is our home and our family. That’s why it’s in Australia...

Nepal, Maldives, Latvia, Australia, Ireland extend Independence Day greetings to India

August 15, 2026 11:07 AM

Nepal, Maldives, Latvia, Australia, Ireland extend Independence Day greetings to India

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra 'Balen' Shah, leaders and institutions from across the world extended greetings to India on its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, highlighting the country's deep-rooted ties and growing partnerships with the international community.   The Office of the Prime Minister of Nepal, in a statement attributed to Balen Shah, extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India and the people of India on the occasion.   ...

India’s exports hit record $863.1 billion in FY26 as FTAs boost trade with UAE, UK and Australia

July 28, 2026 8:01 PM

India’s exports hit record $863.1 billion in FY26 as FTAs boost trade with UAE, UK and Australia

India's total exports reached a record US$863.1 billion in the financial year 2025-26, driven by strong growth in both merchandise and services exports and supported by expanding market access under the country's free trade agreements (FTAs), the government informed Parliament on Tuesday. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, merchandise exports stood at US$441.8 billion, while services exports reached US$421.3 billion, reflecting the combined strength of both sectors in driving I...

Indian Air Force to join Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia with Rafale fighters

July 19, 2026 12:58 PM

Indian Air Force to join Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia with Rafale fighters

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) premier biennial multinational air combat exercise, beginning on July 20 at RAAF Base Darwin in northern Australia. The exercise will continue until August 7. Named after its focus on night flying over the vast unpopulated regions of northern Australia, Exercise Pitch Black has evolved over its 45-year history into one of the world's leading multinational air warfare drills. The 202...

India-Australia civil nuclear pact strengthens long-term fuel security for India’s clean energy ambitions

July 14, 2026 5:13 PM

India-Australia civil nuclear pact strengthens long-term fuel security for India’s clean energy ambitions

India and Australia have taken a major step towards deepening their civil nuclear partnership with the finalisation of the Administrative Arrangement under the India-Australia Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, paving the way for long-term exports of Australian uranium to support India's expanding nuclear energy programme. The agreement was finalised during the Third India-Australia Annual Summit held in Melbourne on July 9, 2026, where the two countries reaffirmed their Comprehensive Strateg...

PM Modi presented handicrafts, vinyl record and coffee to Australian leaders during his three-day visit

July 14, 2026 11:57 AM

PM Modi presented handicrafts, vinyl record and coffee to Australian leaders during his three-day visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his recent visit to Australia, presented a Dhokra boat sculpture, Premium Indian coffee and a vinyl record of the music band 'Colonial Cousins' to his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese. The tribal Dhokra boat sculpture is crafted through the ancient lost-wax casting technique. This Dhokra sculpture depicts a traditional boat carrying tribal men and women, symbolising unity, cooperation, and collective progress. The Indian Premium Coffee Box showcases ...

PM Modi gifts Steve Waugh two-decade-old photograph of their first meeting during MCG visit

July 10, 2026 8:17 PM

PM Modi gifts Steve Waugh two-decade-old photograph of their first meeting during MCG visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday presented former Australia captain Steve Waugh with a nearly two-decade-old photograph of their first meeting, dating back to his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, during a visit to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Accompanied by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, PM Modi also witnessed the unveiling of a landmark initiative aimed at further strengthening sporting ties between India and Australi...

‘Mr India’: PM Modi dominates front pages of Australian newspapers following landmark visit

July 10, 2026 3:04 PM

‘Mr India’: PM Modi dominates front pages of Australian newspapers following landmark visit

A day after his landmark visit to Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued to dominate headlines across Australian newspapers, with one columnist hailing him as "Mr India" and major publications spotlighting his productive talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The strategic momentum of the bilateral visit created an unprecedented splash across the Australian press, framing the diplomatic engagements as a major media event. This coverage was led by The Australian newsp...

India, Australia join hands to protect traditional knowledge through patent cooperation

July 10, 2026 10:08 AM

India, Australia join hands to protect traditional knowledge through patent cooperation

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and IP Australia have signed an agreement providing access to the CSIR’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (CSIR-TKDL) during the third India–Australia Annual Summit held in Melbourne on July 9.   According to an official statement, the agreement was concluded in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.   The government said the TKDL Access Agreement was among the 18 key out...

Australia values India as a top-tier security partner; temporary space tracking terminal to support Gaganyaan: PM Anthony Albanese

July 9, 2026 4:28 PM

Australia values India as a top-tier security partner; temporary space tracking terminal to support Gaganyaan: PM Anthony Albanese

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday described India as a "top-tier security partner" and announced a series of major initiatives spanning defence, space, energy, technology and people-to-people ties, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two countries during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Australia. Addressing a joint press conference after the third India-Australia Annual Summit in Melbourne, Albanese said the two countries had taken significant...