Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has marked India’s 80th Independence Day by paying tribute to the country’s transformation since 1947 and the growing role of Indian Australians in ties between the two nations.
India celebrates Independence Day on Saturday, August 15, marking 79 years since the end of British colonial rule and the beginning of independence in 1947. Albanese said the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the struggle that preceded independence and the changes that followed.
“I send my best wishes to all who are celebrating India’s 80th Independence Day,” Albanese said.
“The path to a free and independent India was anything but easy, but through the sheer power of will, belief and determination, its dawning heralded a bright new beginning filled with hope.”
The Prime Minister said India had “gone from strength to strength” during the eight decades since independence, pointing to its position as the world’s largest democracy and its economic growth.
“Today, as the world’s largest democracy and fastest growing major economy, India fills us with awe at the scale of its achievements and the vastness of its potential,” he said.
The message comes at a period of close political engagement between Canberra and New Delhi. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Australia from July 8 to 10 for the third Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit in Melbourne, where the two governments agreed to expand cooperation across defence and security, education, science and technology, energy security and critical minerals.
“Today, as the world’s largest democracy and fastest growing major economy, India fills us with awe at the scale of its achievements and the vastness of its potential”
Australia and India have operated under a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since 2020. Their Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement came into force in December 2022, while negotiations continue on a more extensive Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. India is now Australia’s fifth-largest trading partner, with two-way goods and services trade worth $54.4 billion in 2024-25.
People-to-people ties have also expanded rapidly. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics population data shows India is among Australia’s largest countries of birth, with the Indian-born population recording the largest increase of any overseas-born group over the decade to June 2025. The 2021 Census counted more than 673,000 Indian-born people in Australia, while 976,000 people reported Indian heritage.
Albanese said Indian Australians would be reflecting on the anniversary with pride, “celebrating the land of your long and rich heritage while also looking to a future that abounds with promise”.
“Together we celebrate all that connects our nations. From our strong economic and strategic partnerships to the immense contributions of the vibrant Indian Australian community to our country,” he said.
The Prime Minister also referred directly to Modi’s recent Australian visit, which included the leaders’ summit and a large community event at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium.
“As I said to my friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit, our relationship has never been more consequential, a truth that was on full display amid the energetic welcome he received here,” Albanese said.
“The profound significance of the partnership between our nations is wonderfully reflected in the strength of the Indian Australian community.”
During the July summit, Australia and India adopted a new Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation and committed to expanding practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The two governments have also been seeking to deepen economic ties beyond the existing trade agreement.
Albanese said Australians of Indian heritage would continue to play a central role as the bilateral relationship develops.
“We are excited to further deepen Australia and India’s engagement in new and growing areas – with the support of the many Australians of Indian heritage who are the living bridge in our valued friendship,” he said.
“I join you in celebrating India’s history and culture, rich diversity and extraordinary achievements – and in celebrating the promise our shared future holds.
“Happy Independence Day.”
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