India and Australia sign uranium supply agreement to boost clean energy cooperation

India and Australia have signed a major agreement that will allow Australia to supply uranium to India for civilian nuclear energy projects.

India and Australia have signed a major agreement that will allow Australia to supply uranium to India for civilian nuclear energy projects. The deal was announced during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia, where he held talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Both leaders described the agreement as an important step towards strengthening cooperation in clean energy and expanding the long term partnership between the two countries.

Speaking after the meeting, Modi said the agreement would support India’s growing demand for electricity and help the country achieve its clean energy goals. India has been working to increase the share of nuclear power in its energy mix as it looks for alternatives to fossil fuels. With the country’s population and economy continuing to grow, electricity demand is expected to rise sharply in the coming years. Modi said Australian uranium would play an important role in supporting these plans and would help India expand its nuclear power capacity.

Australia holds one of the world’s largest uranium reserves and accounts for nearly one third of global resources. Although both countries signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement in 2015, exports faced delays because of legal requirements and political concerns. Under the new arrangement, uranium exports will be used only for peaceful civilian purposes and will remain under the monitoring and safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Albanese said the agreement reflects Australia’s commitment to supporting cleaner sources of energy while deepening ties with India. He said the uranium supply would contribute to increasing India’s non fossil fuel electricity generation and strengthen cooperation between the two nations in the energy sector.

Beyond nuclear energy, the leaders also agreed to expand cooperation in defence and critical minerals. They pledged to work more closely on securing supply chains for minerals that are essential for advanced technologies and renewable energy industries. The two countries also announced plans to establish a temporary space tracking terminal on Australia’s Cocos Keeling Islands in the Indian Ocean. The facility is expected to support future Indian space missions and improve scientific cooperation.

Relations between India and Australia have grown much stronger in recent years. Along with expanding trade and investment, both governments have increased security cooperation and have worked together on regional issues in the Indo Pacific. Analysts believe the closer partnership also reflects shared concerns about regional stability and the need to diversify economic relationships.

During the visit, Albanese praised Modi for playing a key role in strengthening bilateral relations. The two leaders were seen sharing a light moment and taking a selfie before official meetings, highlighting the warm atmosphere surrounding the visit.

India’s growing community in Australia has also become an important part of the relationship. Recent figures show that people born in India now make up the largest overseas born community in Australia, overtaking those born in Britain for the first time. Experts say this demographic shift has strengthened cultural and economic links between the two countries.

Modi was also scheduled to address a large gathering of members of the Indian community in Melbourne, where thousands were expected to attend. At the same time, some groups planned demonstrations outside the venue, criticising his government’s policies on minority rights and immigration. After completing his visit to Australia, Modi is expected to continue his tour with a visit to New Zealand.