Modi, Albanese call on all parties to ‘exercise restraint’ and de-escalate tensions in the Gulf

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese on Thursday (July 9, 2026) made a joint call for a de-escalation of tension and hostilities in West Asia, where fighting has restarted between the United States and Iran.

Addressing the third India-Australia summit, Mr. Modi also said the Indo-Pacific region represents the “shared aspirations” of both countries.

“The Prime Ministers expressed concern over renewed escalation of tensions in the Middle East and called upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and ensure protection of civilians as well as the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies and commerce. They reiterated the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, and adherence to international law to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict,” declared a joint statement on the conflict at the Strait of Hormuz.

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Maritime security cooperation

The two leaders underlined the “centrality” of maritime cooperation as part of the “shared vision” of a “peaceful, stable and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.

“The Indo-Pacific region will get new energy from our maritime security collaboration roadmap. We will work together in ship building, ship repair and in maintenance works,” the Prime Minister said, speaking in Hindi while making his official statement to the media in Melbourne.

The two leaders also emphasised the importance of the Quadrilateral grouping, comprising the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia, as a unit that will deliver “practical and concrete” outcomes in the Indo-Pacific region.

Nuclear energy support

India and Australia will also work together in the domain of clean energy, Mr. Modi said. Australia has “reiterated its strong support” for India’s membership in the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group, the joint statement said.

Both the Prime Ministers have welcomed “finalisation and signature of the Administrative Arrangement” that will enable “long-term Australian uranium exports to India for exclusively peaceful purposes and under IAEA safeguards”, the joint statement added.

Cultural connect

Mr. Albanese welcomed the repatriation of artefacts of cultural significance to India. “Australia and India share a deep history, and we are building strong people to people links between our two countries,” he said.

Attending an Indian diaspora event with Mr. Modi, the Australian PM said, “Our Indian community has contributed so much to the story of modern Australia. And it’s made our country a better place… Together, we can be a force for peace and prosperity in our region.”

The two Prime Ministers expressed concern about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and said that they “remained concerned” about the conflict in Myanmar as well, and its “impact on the region”.