SYDNEY — Australia on July 9 agreed to export uranium to India and pledged closer defence and energy cooperation as both countries cited concerns about China’s growing military power.
The uranium deal, signed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Melbourne, aims to support India’s expansion of civilian nuclear energy as it meets rising power demand and develops data centres. Modi described the agreement as offering “historic opportunities” for India’s clean energy transition. Canberra reiterated that exported uranium will be restricted to civilian uses under strict safeguards.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the partnership with India was at its strongest, while officials indicated the new arrangements clarify safeguards around India’s use of Australian uranium. Analysts note India has relied on Russian supplies but is seeking more secure sources amid disruptions to Russian trade since its invasion of Ukraine.
The agreement accompanies a defence cooperation pact committing both governments to expanded military exercises, closer consultations on Indo-Pacific developments, and enhanced information-sharing. Leaders cited “geostrategic uncertainty” and flagged concerns after a Chinese missile test in the Pacific on July 6. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said closer defence ties with India are a “critical” response to the region’s changing strategic landscape.
Modi and Albanese also agreed to accelerate negotiations on a comprehensive free trade deal to build on a limited 2022 agreement that helped lift bilateral trade. India is now Australia’s fifth-largest trading partner, and the visit drew large public engagement, including a Melbourne event attended by nearly 30,000 people.