PM Modi, Australian counterpart Albanese hold delegation-level talks in Melbourne
Melbourne, July 9
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, participated in the Australia-India Annual Leaders' Summit in Melbourne on Thursday, during which they held delegation-level talks aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other officials were present during the meeting.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome in Melbourne as he officially began his visit to Australia. He was also accorded a Guard of Honour.
PM Modi was warmly welcomed by Anthony Albanese, as he arrived for the ceremonial event at the Government House Victoria.
National Anthem of India resonated as Australian forces aligned to give a ceremonial welcome to PM Modi.
PM Modi and PM Albanese participated in the India-Australia CEO Forum in Melbourne.
Albanese welcomed PM Modi, and both leaders posed for a photograph. Both leaders also addressed the leading business leaders from India and Australia.
During this, PM Modi invited Australian businesses to partner in India's growth story across sectors including manufacturing, clean energy, AI, digital economy, etc.
On Wednesday, PM Modi received a rousing welcome from the Indian community in Melbourne as he arrived for his three-day visit to Australia.
PM Modi met members of the Indian diaspora amid chants of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Modi, Modi'. Several cultural performances were also lined up by local artists to welcome PM Modi in Australia.
"The weather in Melbourne may be cold but the warmth of the welcome from the Indian community was truly unforgettable. Their affection and unwavering bond with India continue to be a source of immense joy and pride," PM Modi posted on X while thanking the Indian community for their warm gesture.
"The Australian-India Orchestra's soulful presentation of 'Maa Tujhe Salaam' was wonderful. It beautifully demonstrated how music strengthens the bonds between our people. My compliments to every member of the orchestra for this memorable performance. It also shows the global popularity of Vande Mataram, particularly at a time when we are marking its 150th anniversary," PM Modi highlighted in another post.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I wish more emphasis was placed on actual trade deals rather than just photo ops and ceremonial welcomes. The CEO forum is a good step, but let's see concrete outcomes for Indian exporters and students in Australia. Hopefully this isn't just another diplomatic exercise with little substance.
The Australian-India Orchestra playing 'Maa Tujhe Salaam' gave me goosebumps! It's wonderful how our culture is being celebrated globally. Vande Mataram at 150 years and still uniting hearts across continents. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳🎵
Good to see India-Australia ties growing stronger. But I hope our government also focuses on the thousands of Indian students facing issues in Australia - visa delays, high fees, and sometimes discrimination. High-level talks should address ground realities too.
Melbourne ka mausam thanda hai lekin diaspora ka pyaar garam! 🔥 The chants of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' in a foreign land always make me emotional. This is the power of India's soft diplomacy - our people are our biggest ambassadors. Proud moment for every Indian! 🙏
PM Modi inviting Australian businesses to partner in manufacturing, clean energy, AI - this is exactly what India needs. But implementation is key. We've seen many MOUs signed that never materialize. Hope this time there's proper follow-up and accountability.
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