Jaishankar Congratulates Penny Wong on Reappointment, Reinforces India-Australia Commitment to Counter Terrorism

May 12, 2025: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar extended his congratulations to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on her reappointment, reaffirming India’s strong diplomatic ties with Australia. During a telephonic conversation, the two leaders discussed recent global developments and emphasized the shared commitment to zero tolerance against terrorism.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar wrote, “Good to talk to @SenatorWong of Australia. Extended warm congratulations on her reappointment. Discussed recent developments and the importance of zero tolerance against terrorism. Look forward to further strengthening the multifaceted India-Australia Dosti.”

Penny Wong’s reappointment follows Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s successful bid for a second term. As part of his new cabinet, Albanese has introduced several changes while retaining senior ministers in key portfolios. Wong, along with Defence Minister Richard Marles, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, and Education Minister Jason Clare, will continue in their respective roles.

In a significant reshuffle, former communications minister Michelle Rowland has been named Attorney-General, replacing Mark Dreyfus amid internal party negotiations. West Australian MP Anne Aly, one of the country’s Muslim lawmakers, will also be promoted to the cabinet.

Anthony Albanese’s consecutive election win marks him as the first Australian Prime Minister since John Howard to secure back-to-back victories, highlighting the public’s continued support for his leadership.

Following the election, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Albanese and emphasized the strength of the India-Australia relationship. In a message shared on X, Modi stated, “Spoke with my friend @AlboMP to personally congratulate him on his party’s historic victory. We agreed to work together with renewed vigour to advance the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and explore new areas of cooperation.”

In response, Albanese thanked Modi for the congratulatory call, underlining the strength of bilateral ties. “The relationship between Australia and India has never been stronger. I look forward to working with you over the coming years to build a prosperous future for our region,” he posted.

Prime Minister Modi also invited Albanese to visit India for the Annual Summit and the upcoming QUAD Summit, to be hosted later this year.

According to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), which has flourished across multiple sectors over the past five years. They also highlighted the role of the Indian-origin diaspora in enriching the bilateral relationship.

Modi and Albanese agreed to continue their close cooperation on regional and global issues and reiterated their shared vision for a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.