Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from members of the Indian community as he arrived in Australia on Wednesday on a three-day official visit.
Members of the Indian community welcomed Prime Minister Modi with cultural performances and a rendition of “Vande Mataram” by the Australian Indian Orchestra as he arrived in Melbourne. The diaspora also chanted slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, and “Modi, Modi”, while expressing enthusiasm over the Prime Minister’s visit and calling for stronger India-Australia ties.
Lucky Singh, a member of the Indian diaspora, said PM Modi’s visit would further strengthen 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 skilled IT professionals from India. It would be excellent to see business expand significantly.”
Simarjit Singh, another member of the Indian community, told ANI that he expects positive 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 here, so 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 government is a wonderful occasion in itself. Whenever PM Narendra Modi meets Anthony Albanese, they invariably bring something new for Indians, Australians, and communities on both sides. Good agreements are reached, and expectations naturally rise.”
Prakash Gupta, Treasurer of the Australia-India Business Council (Victoria), expressed confidence that the visit would further expand trade ties between the two countries.
“Australia and India have come a long way. Bilateral trade has grown from about USD 14 billion to around USD 55 billion. We expect it to reach USD 100 billion by 2030.”
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Australia on Wednesday in the second leg of his three-nation tour 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 members of the Indian diaspora.
The visit will add fresh momentum 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.
The two leaders are expected to advance bilateral cooperation in defence and security, trade and investment, education and mobility, and people-to-people ties.
In his departure statement, PM Modi said the visit would also provide an opportunity for India and Australia to deepen cooperation in emerging and critical technologies, sports, and sports science.
Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, shared a video message from Melbourne on Wednesday, saying the city was excited about the Prime Minister’s 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 here are focused on the major diaspora engagement, but equally important is the trade and commerce relationship between our countries. It is already strong with our first-phase free trade agreement, and it can become even stronger. Melbourne is also a city of culture, and we are looking to expand cooperation with India in the fields of arts and culture,” he added.
PM Modi arrived in Australia in the second leg of his three-nation tour. He visited Indonesia earlier and will travel to New Zealand next.
(ANI)
