PM Modi receives warm welcome from Indian diaspora in Australia
Melbourne, July 8
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from the members of the Indian community as he arrived in Australia on Wednesday on a three-day official visit.
Indian community members presented cultural performances to welcome him. They also chanted "Vande Mataram", "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Modi, Modi" slogans.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome in Melbourne with a rendition of "Vande Mataram" by the Australian Indian Orchestra.
Ahead of his arrival in Australia, members of the Indian diaspora expressed enthusiasm for the visit and called for a deeper partnership between the two countries.
Lucky Singh, a member of the Indian diaspora, said PM Modi's visit will strengthen the bilateral ties.
"I am originally from Delhi. The Indian diaspora is very excited. It is wonderful that relations between the two countries have become so strong, and PM Narendra Modi's visit will strengthen them further. In the changing global scenario, the growing closeness between India and Australia, especially in business, is very important...India needs uranium, which can be supplied from here, while Australia requires essential professional IT experts from India. So, it would be excellent to see business expand significantly."
Simarjit Singh, another member of the Indian community, told ANI that there will be good outcomes from the meeting between PM Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese.
"I originally hail from Uttar Pradesh and have been living in Melbourne for about 17 years. The head of the country is visiting. Naturally, there is excitement and happiness. As you know, there is a large Indian diaspora settled here in Australia, so a visit by the head of state is a wonderful thing in itself...whenever PM Narendra meets Anthony Albanese, they invariably bring something new for Indians, Australians, and communities on both sides. Good deals are struck, and expectations naturally rise," he said.
Prakash Gupta, Australia-India Business Council's Treasurer for Victoria, expressed confidence that the visit will result in expanding trade ties between the two countries.
"Australia and India have come a long way. Business was about $14 billion, it has reached about $55 billion...we are expecting by 2030, it's going to be $100 billion in trade between Australia and India..."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Australia on Wednesday in the second leg of his three-nation visit and was accorded a warm welcome at the airport.
During the three-day visit, PM Modi will hold talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and interact with the Indian diaspora.
The visit will add vigour to the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, PM Modi said in a post on X.
"I look forward to the talks with Prime Minister Albanese. I will also have the opportunity to interact with the Indian diaspora, which is an important pillar of our partnership," he said.
PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport.
PM Modi and his Australian counterpart are expected to take forward bilateral relations in the areas of defence and security, trade and investments, education and mobility and people-to-people ties.
In his departure statement, PM Modi said the visit will also provide an opportunity for India and Australia to deepen our bilateral ties in the areas of emerging and critical technologies, sports and sports science.
Australia's High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, shared a video message from Melbourne on Wednesday, noting that there is excitement about the visit.
"Namaste Prime Minister Modi! A quick vibe check from Melbourne: the city is buzzing and ready to extend you a warm welcome. I've just arrived, and the excitement is palpable. A big week of conversations, connections, and progress for the Australia-India partnership," Green said in a post on X.
"I know many people in here are focusing on the major diaspora engagement he will have, but, very, very important is the trade and commerce relationship between our countries. Already terrific with our first phase free trade agreement, that can get even stronger. Melbourne is also the city of culture, and we are looking to do more in the field of arts and culture with India," he added.
PM Modi reached Australia in the second leg of his three-nation visit. He visited Indonesia and will later visit New Zealand.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's great to see the Indian community in Australia so enthusiastic. The cultural performances and the Vande Mataram rendition sound beautiful! I hope this visit strengthens ties not just diplomatically but also in areas like education and sports science.
The enthusiasm is genuine! I have family in Melbourne and they were all excited about this visit. Trade going from $14 billion to $55 billion is impressive, and the target of $100 billion by 2030 shows real ambition. But I hope we also focus on easier visa processes for Indians wanting to study or work there.
The diaspora connects are always heartwarming. But honestly, while we celebrate the welcome, we should also ask what concrete outcomes come from these visits. Trade agreements are fine, but what about the everyday Indian who wants to visit Australia? Visa delays and high costs are real issues. Hope this visit addresses those too.
The chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" in Melbourne must have been electric! 🇮🇳 The India-Australia partnership is vital in this changing world, especially with China's influence. Good to see our leader getting such love abroad. Jai Hind!
As an Australian, I'm glad to see this strengthening partnership. India is a key ally in the region and the Indian community here contributes so much to our society. The focus on critical technologies and sports collaboration sounds promising. Welcome to Australia, PM Modi!
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