India’s Gaganyaan mission gets new strength, tracking station to be established in Australia

Melbourne, 9 July. India and Australia have made several important announcements in the fields of education, science, technology and space cooperation to take their bilateral relations to new heights. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced several new initiatives aimed at further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. The Office of the Prime Minister of Australia issued a statement regarding the major announcements made in these areas.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said

Both welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Australia-Canada-India Partnership in Technology and Innovation (ACITI). Through this initiative, trilateral cooperation with Canada will be promoted in the field of critical and emerging technologies. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that India and Australia are working together on future technologies with a partnership based on trust. He described cooperation in the Gaganyaan mission as a symbol of the strong space relations between the two countries.

Today’s talks have unparalleled outcomes in areas such as renewable energy, climate action, nuclear energy, critical minerals, technology, education and more. Another highlight is the issuing of an important declaration to strengthen defense and security cooperation. Equally… pic.twitter.com/hOeTANEp1W

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 9, 2026

Gaganyaan will be a temporary space tracking terminal for human space mission.

Both the countries have also taken an important step in the space sector. A temporary space tracking terminal for India’s Gaganyaan manned space mission will be set up in Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands. This center will assist in monitoring and tracking the initial four major missions of the Gaganyaan programme. This will provide important technical support to India’s ambitious human space program.

Education is the strongest bridge between India and Australia

Describing education and skill development as a key pillar of India-Australia relations, the two leaders expressed satisfaction at the growing cooperation in this area. Currently, India is the second largest source of international students to Australia. Last year, more than 1.40 lakh Indian students studied in Australian educational institutions.

Australia’s Education Minister Jason Claire said in this context that education is the strongest bridge between India and Australia. He said that now not only Indian students are coming to Australia but Australian universities are providing world class education right there in India.

PM Albanese welcomed Flinders University’s approval to set up its campus in India. With this, the number of Australian universities opening campuses in India has increased to eight. This will give Indian students the opportunity to receive world-class Australian education in their own country, while also strengthening research, innovation and economic and social relations between the two countries.

New initiatives have also been taken in the field of vocational education. TAFE of Western Australia and India have agreed to establish a Center of Excellence for Skilling in Mining and Mining Equipment, Technology and Services. Its objective is to equip Indian youth with modern industrial skills.

Science Minister Tim Ayers said

Science Minister Tim Ayers said that in a time of global challenges and supply chain disruptions, collaboration in the field of science, research and technology with like-minded partners like India will strengthen the industrial capacity, security and self-reliance of both the countries. Both sides also appreciated the Friendship Grants Programme, through which economic, cultural and research projects are being promoted. In the year 2026, financial assistance of one crore Australian dollars ($10 million) will be given to 41 projects through the Center for Australia-India Relations.