File photo: PM Modi with Australian PM Anthony Albanese (Picture credit: ANI)NEW DELHI: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed optimism ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Australia next week, saying he looks forward to strengthening the two countries' partnership during the Annual Leaders' Summit in Melbourne.PM Modi will visit Australia from July 8 to 10 as part of a three-nation tour that also includes Indonesia and New Zealand.In a statement, the Australian Prime Minister's Office said Albanese would welcome PM Modi to Melbourne for the Australia-India Annual Leaders' Summit."As the world's fourth largest and fastest growing economy, India is a critical economic partner for Australia. Our relationship is underpinned by our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and supported by deep economic and cultural connections," the statement said.The office added that cooperation between the two countries in trade, defence, security and technology was delivering benefits for both nations. It also noted that Albanese and Modi last met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025."I am honoured to welcome my friend Prime Minister Modi to Australia for our Annual Leaders' Summit," Albanese said."The Australia-India relationship has never been more consequential, and our partnership fosters peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," he added."I look forward to strengthening Australia and India's deep partnership."According to ANI, Modi's Australia visit forms part of a broader diplomatic tour aimed at deepening India's engagement with key partners in the Indo-Pacific region.The Ministry of External Affairs said Modi will first visit Indonesia from July 6 to 8 at the invitation of President Prabowo Subianto.He will then travel to Melbourne for talks with Albanese from July 8 to 10 before heading to Auckland for a state visit to New Zealand from July 10 to 11 at the invitation of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.The MEA said the Prime Minister will review the full spectrum of bilateral ties with the three countries during the tour and is also expected to interact with members of the Indian diaspora.