Indian PM says Albanese re-election to strengthen ties
India has deepened defence cooperation with Australia in recent years as part of the Quad alliance with the United States and Japan, a grouping seen as a bulwark against China.
FILE: India Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Picture: AFP
NEW DELHI - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese on Saturday on his general election victory, saying it would strengthen ties between the nations.
India has deepened defence cooperation with Australia in recent years as part of the Quad alliance with the United States and Japan, a grouping seen as a bulwark against China.
Modi said he looked forward to working together to "further deepen" ties with Australia and "advance our shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific".
India is expected to host a summit meeting of the Quad later this year.
"Congratulations on your resounding victory and re-election... This emphatic mandate indicates the enduring faith of the Australian people in your leadership", Modi said on X.
Albanese wooed Modi during a visit to Australia in 2023, referring to him as the "boss" during a massive rally of Indian-Australians.
Modi had earlier hosted Albanese in India, when they performed a lap of honour aboard a cricket-themed golf cart before a Test match, and bonded over their countries' shared love of the sport.