PM Modi congratulates Albanese on historic re-election as Australian PM; calls for stronger India-Australia ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended his congratulations to Anthony Albanese on securing a second consecutive term as Prime Minister of Australia — a political feat not achieved in over two decades. Albanese's re-election signals a strong mandate from voters, with early results suggesting an increased majority for his Labor government in the Australian Parliament.
“Congratulations @AlboMP on your resounding victory and re-election as Prime Minister of Australia! This emphatic mandate indicates the enduring faith of the Australian people in your leadership,” PM Modi posted on X.
“I look forward to working together to further deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance our shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” he added.

Meanwhile, Albanese addressing supporters in Sydney, struck a defiant and independent tone in his victory speech. “Australians have chosen to face global challenges the Australian way, looking after each other while building for the future,” he said. “We do not need to beg or borrow or copy from anywhere else. We do not seek our inspiration overseas. We find it right here in our values and in our people.”
His center-left Labor Party appears to have increased its majority in the 151-member House of Representatives, defying the historical trend of Australian governments losing seats in a second term. If confirmed, it would bolster Albanese’s ability to pass key legislation.
The rival conservative coalition, led by Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton, conceded defeat on Saturday. Dutton, who had represented his seat for 24 years, also lost his own constituency. The Labor campaign had portrayed him as aligned with former U.S. President Donald Trump, dubbing him “DOGE-y Dutton” and accusing the opposition of adopting a Trump-style governance model.
Cost-of-living concerns dominated the campaign, with both major parties acknowledging widespread economic distress. Foodbank Australia reported that 3.4 million households faced food insecurity last year, reflecting the depth of the crisis.
Energy and inflation were central to policy debates. While both parties support reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, they differ on how to get there. Dutton backed nuclear energy, arguing it would bring down power costs, while Labor promoted renewables and criticised the opposition’s nuclear ambitions as a threat to public services.
The election also marked a generational shift in voter demographics, with younger Australians now outnumbering Baby Boomers for the first time. Housing affordability emerged as a key issue for this cohort, with both sides pledging support for first-time buyers in a tight property market.
The central bank’s recent cut to the benchmark interest rate — now at 4.1% — was seen as a signal that financial pressures may be easing. Another rate cut is expected on May 20 amid global economic uncertainty, including trade tensions linked to Trump-era tariffs.
Albanese’s win sets the stage for a more confident and assertive second term, both domestically and on the global stage, including in Australia’s growing partnership with India.