Narendra Modi Secures Strategic Trade and Defense Deals in Oceania

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a high-profile tour of Oceania between July 8 and 12, 2026, securing critical energy and security agreements with Australia and New Zealand.

In Melbourne, Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese established a long-term strategic partnership through a series of agreements covering defense, economic security, and education. A central outcome was a multi-billion dollar deal allowing Australia to export uranium to India for peaceful purposes, bypassing previous Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty restrictions. The leaders also implemented a Sports Collaboration Roadmap and expanded Australian higher education in India, approving a total of eight university campuses. The visit included a 35,000-person diaspora event at Docklands Stadium and a visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground to emphasize sporting ties.

Following his departure from Australia on July 10, Modi traveled to Auckland, New Zealand, for the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 40 years. He held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to review defense and trade ties following a Free Trade Agreement signed in April 2026. On July 11, Modi addressed over 10,000 members of the Indian diaspora at the 'Kia Ora Modi' event, describing the community as a bridge of friendship.

During the New Zealand leg of the trip, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung issued a public message wishing for the progress of both nations, which Modi described as deeply cherished.