India and Australia finalize uranium export arrangement as Modi meets Albanese in Melbourne
India and Australia have finalized an arrangement to enable long‑term Australian uranium exports to India, announced during a meeting between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese in Melbourne on Thursday.
Uranium supply deal finalized
India and Australia put the finishing touches on a nuclear energy cooperation arrangement that will see Australian uranium shipped to India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed the pact.
A joint statement said the Administrative Arrangement enables long‑term uranium exports for exclusively peaceful purposes under IAEA safeguards. Australia also voiced strong support for India's Nuclear Suppliers Group membership.We have signed an important agreement today on nuclear energy. This will pave the way for uranium supplies from Australia to India and give our clean energy objectives fresh momentum.
Strategic backdrop and clean energy targets
Energy‑hungry India, which aims for 100 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2047, has long sought access to Australia's vast uranium reserves, which account for nearly 28% of global resources. Although a 2014 nuclear cooperation pact laid the groundwork, actual exports had been limited by safeguards concerns. The new arrangement specifically channels exports for non‑fossil fuel power.
The arrangement facilitates Australian uranium exports to India, to help increase the share of non-fossil fuel power capacity.
Modi's Melbourne diplomatic tour
Modi arrived in Melbourne late Wednesday for the third India‑Australia Annual Summit, also meeting leading business executives.
- July 8, late night: Modi touches down to a red-carpet welcome
- July 9: Modi meets Albanese; uranium export arrangement signed
- July 9 evening: Addresses thousands of Indian expatriates at sports stadium
- July 10 afternoon: Leaves for New Zealand
Diaspora rally and protests
On Thursday evening, Modi was set to address thousands of Indian expatriates at a major Melbourne sports stadium, a hallmark of his overseas trips. Security was tightened following reports of protests. Around one million people in Australia claim Indian ancestry, and India is Australia's fifth‑largest trading partner.
Broader bilateral ties
The two leaders underscored deepening defense and maritime security cooperation, and their joint statement reaffirmed the comprehensive strategic partnership. Modi's last visit in 2023 drew thousands to a Sydney indoor stadium; this year's rally was held under heightened security.
