Albanese praises diaspora as key to Australia-India ties
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday described the Indian diaspora as the 'living bridge' between Australia and India, speaking at a community event in Melbourne that welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Albanese said the energy and enthusiasm at the gathering reflected the growing strength of the bilateral partnership.
Addressing thousands of Indian community members alongside PM Modi, Albanese called Modi 'a true friend of Australia' and said it was an honour to host him in Melbourne. 'The energy that we feel in here tonight defines the Australia-India partnership. It is an enthusiasm and a dynamism that drives the positivity and promise of our two nations and peoples,' Albanese stated.
Albanese recalls personal ties with India
Albanese fondly recalled his visits to India, including a 2023 trip to Ahmedabad where he and Modi rode in a chariot at the Narendra Modi Stadium. 'That was an experience I will never forget,' he said. He noted that the warmth he felt in Gujarat was equally evident at the Melbourne gathering. 'I can say without a shadow of a doubt, the depth of affection that I felt between our two peoples in Gujarat in 2023 is just as palpable and present tonight among this incredible crowd.'
Reflecting on his first visit to India as a backpacker in 1991, Albanese said traveling across the country taught him about its diversity and hospitality. 'If you want to understand India, get on a train,' he advised, adding that he was welcomed into people's homes and experienced Indian culture firsthand.
Shared values underpin partnership
Albanese described India and Australia as 'two great democracies' and 'two great multicultural societies,' emphasizing that their relationship is built on shared values and strong people-to-people ties. He paid tribute to the more than one million Australians of Indian origin, saying their contributions have strengthened Australia's economy, society, and multicultural identity.
'Your generosity of spirit shines through in every way. In times of trouble or national crisis, it is the Australian Indian community who are the first to volunteer their help and to lend a hand to their fellow community members,' Albanese said. He added that he had told Modi this privately before but was now stating it publicly.
Economic and educational contributions highlighted
The Australian Prime Minister noted that the diaspora's generosity extends to building national prosperity through skills in critical industries like healthcare and IT, growing small businesses, and contributions from Indian students who choose Australia for education. 'That is especially true here in the education state of Victoria,' he said.
Albanese also highlighted the expanding educational partnership, noting that Victoria's Deakin University became the first foreign university to establish a campus in India, paving the way for deeper academic collaboration.
Conclusion: 'We are a better nation'
Concluding his address, Albanese said Australians have been enriched by the Indian community's cultural and economic contributions. 'We are a better nation because we have you in it. You are the living bridge between Australia and India,' he said.
PM Modi's three-day visit to Australia has produced major outcomes in defence, maritime security, energy, critical technologies, education, mining, research, and cultural cooperation, significantly expanding the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
