Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Melbourne, Australia, on Wednesday on the second leg of his three-nation tour, where he was accorded a warm welcome at the airport.
During the three-day visit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and interact with members of the Indian diaspora.
In a post on X, PM Modi said the visit would further strengthen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“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.
The Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome on arrival in Melbourne after concluding his visit to Indonesia.
The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in areas including defence and security, trade and investment, education, mobility and people-to-people ties.
In his departure statement before leaving for Australia, PM Modi said the visit would also provide an opportunity to expand collaboration in emerging and critical technologies, sports and sports science.
Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, shared a video message from Melbourne ahead of the visit, saying the city was looking forward to welcoming the Indian Prime Minister.
“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.
Highlighting the importance of economic ties between the two countries, he added: “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.”
The Australia visit follows PM Modi’s engagements in Indonesia and forms part of his ongoing three-nation tour aimed at strengthening India’s partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
(ANI)
