Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a long-term uranium export agreement and a new defence-cooperation pact on July 8, 2026 [1].
The agreement secures a critical energy supply for India and strengthens regional security amid global supply-chain challenges and energy instability.
The joint announcement took place at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne [1, 2]. The two leaders outlined 18 major outcomes in a joint statement, focusing on strategic ties and economic cooperation [2]. Central to the deal is the supply of uranium to support India's target of 100 GW of nuclear energy [3].
Modi said the agreement will help power the country's growing data-centre and clean-energy ambitions [3]. He said the relationship between the two nations is one based on trust, saying, "India and Australia are natural and trusted partners" [4].
Beyond nuclear energy, the leaders discussed a broader framework for economic growth. Modi said, "India’s relationship with Australia presents historic opportunities for cooperation in nuclear and renewable energy, critical minerals and green hydrogen" [1].
The defence-cooperation pact aims to deepen military ties and enhance security coordination in the Indo-Pacific region [1, 2]. Both governments said the pact would provide a more stable framework for joint exercises and technology sharing to counter regional volatility.
This visit marks a significant shift in Australia's export policy toward India, moving from previous restrictions to a strategic partnership in the nuclear sector [1, 3].
“India and Australia are natural and trusted partners.”
This agreement represents a pivotal shift in India's energy security strategy by diversifying its nuclear fuel sources. By securing Australian uranium, India reduces its reliance on a small number of suppliers to meet its ambitious 100 GW target, while the accompanying defence pact signals a coordinated effort to balance power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
