The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, is scheduled to embark on an official state visit to India with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations and securing the India-Australia Economic Co-operation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) deal. As per a press release from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday, Albanese will commence his visit by arriving in Ahmedabad on March 8, 2023, followed by Mumbai, before concluding his trip in New Delhi.
Albanese’s trip to India has been extended at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and it will mark his inaugural official visit to the country as Prime Minister. During the visit, the two leaders are set to convene for the Annual Summit to discuss a range of regional and global issues. Additionally, the Australian PM is slated to meet with Indian President Droupadi Murmu in Delhi. Albanese will be accompanied by Senator Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, and Madeleine King, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, along with senior officials and a delegation of high-level business executives.
Albanese to receive ceremonial welcome in Delhi
As per the press release, on March 10, 2023, Prime Minister Albanese will receive a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan in Delhi. During the Annual Summit, PM Modi and Albanese are expected to discuss various areas of collaboration within the framework of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as well as global and regional issues of shared interest.
The announcement of Albanese’s impending visit follows the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting attended by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in New Delhi on Thursday. Upon her arrival, she was greeted by EAM S Jaishankar, and the two subsequently engaged in a bilateral meeting.
