Australia has 'historic' chance to supply uranium for India's nuclear power: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted a "historic opportunity" for Australia to supply uranium for India's nuclear energy ambitions during a visit to Melbourne. India plans to significantly increase its nuclear power generation to meet soaring electricity demand, and Australia possesses substantial uranium reserves.

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Australia's huge uranium reserves are directly connected to India's nuclear journey. This is a historic opportunity for us to increase our cooperation in this area.

Despite Australia holding about 28 percent of the world's uranium resources, exports to India have been hampered by legal hurdles and political sensitivities. Modi emphasized the potential for increased cooperation in this sector, speaking at a business forum ahead of talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The visit also underscored the deepening ties between the two nations, partly fueled by a rapidly growing Indian diaspora in Australia. Recent statistics show that residents born in India now form the largest overseas-born community in Australia, surpassing those from Britain.

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Prime Minister Modi, your leadership and your personal engagement with Australia has been absolutely central to this change.

While Modi is anticipated to receive a large welcome at a community rally, his visit is not without controversy. Critics plan to protest, citing concerns over Hindu nationalism and the alleged persecution of minority groups in India. Modi is scheduled to travel to New Zealand following his Australian engagements.

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In 2014, the Indian diaspora community in Australia was relatively small. But in 2026, it is now the largest diaspora community within Australia. It has outstripped the British, which is a huge demographic change.