India clinches agreement for Australian uranium supply

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a uranium supply deal with Australia on Thursday during a visit to Melbourne, where he later addressed thousands of supporters at a stadium event. The agreement aims to support India's growing electricity demand and expand its nuclear power generation in the coming years.

What does the India-Australia uranium supply deal cover?

The deal allows Australia to export uranium to India on a long-term basis for exclusively peaceful purposes, according to a joint statement from both governments. The exports will operate under safeguards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency, supporting India's push to expand non-fossil fuel power capacity.

Why does India need Australian uranium?

Australia holds around 28 percent of the world's known uranium resources, but legal and political hurdles had previously stalled exports to India. Modi said the agreement would help meet India's rising energy needs while advancing its clean energy targets. India and Australia first agreed on nuclear cooperation in 2015, laying the groundwork for this deal.

What did Modi and Albanese say about the agreement?

"We have signed an important agreement today on nuclear energy," Modi told reporters after talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. He added that the deal would give India's clean energy objectives fresh momentum. Albanese said the arrangement would help India increase its share of non-fossil fuel power capacity.

How did Australia's Indian community welcome Modi?

Nearly 30,000 supporters packed Melbourne's Marvel Stadium in the evening for a "Melbourne Meets Modi" event. Albanese and Modi embraced and raised their joined hands before addressing the crowd. Albanese told attendees that Australia had become a better nation because of its Indian diaspora, now the country's largest overseas-born community.

Did Modi's visit face any opposition?

Modi's trip drew criticism from groups accusing him of fostering Hindu nationalism in India. Australia's Alliance Against Islamophobia organized a protest outside the stadium, citing the treatment of minority groups in India. Anti-immigration protesters also gathered separately, carrying placards calling to "put Australians first."

What other agreements came out of the Modi-Albanese talks?

Modi and Albanese also agreed to strengthen defense cooperation and secure supply chains for critical minerals. The two countries will build a temporary space tracking terminal on Australia's Cocos Keeling Islands to support Indian space flight projects. Modi is scheduled to travel to New Zealand following his visit to Australia.