Massive Turnout for PM Modi's Community Event in Melbourne
Approximately 30,000 people gathered in Melbourne on Thursday to hear Prime Minister Narendra Modi address the Indian diaspora at a community event. The gathering is believed to be the largest of its kind ever held in Australia for any foreign leader.
Before PM Modi's arrival, members of the Indian diaspora showcased their enthusiasm through cultural performances. Madan Palsule, a member of the diaspora, told ANI, "PM Modi is a dynamic and charismatic leader... We are all excited and we are presenting an Indian drama based on Shivaji's life... and we look forward to performing in front of PM Modi." Another attendee expressed, "We welcome PM Modi here... I am waiting for him along with numerous other members of the Indian diaspora... We hope that Indian leaders keep coming here... We listen to him despite living abroad..."
PM Modi Concludes High-Level Summit with Australian PM
Earlier in the day, PM Modi concluded a high-level summit with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne, marking a significant expansion of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). The visit resulted in 18 landmark outcomes, reinforcing ties across defense, energy, critical technology, and trade.
In a post on X, PM Modi hailed the wide-ranging discussions, noting they resulted in "unparalleled outcomes" across multiple sectors. He reflected on the decision to accelerate the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and stated that the India-Australia CSP of 2022 has continuously expanded cooperation between the two nations.
Key Outcomes of the Summit
PM Modi wrote, "Held wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Albanese in Melbourne this afternoon. The India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of 2022 has continuously expanded the scope of our cooperation. We have now decided to accelerate work on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation, with unprecedented progress over the past few years." He added, "We talked about how to add more vigour to trade and investment linkages. The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) will be balanced, ambitious and beneficial for both countries."
The Prime Minister further highlighted that the high-level talks achieved significant momentum across critical sectors, including renewable energy, climate action, nuclear energy, critical minerals, technology, and education. "Today's talks have unparalleled outcomes in areas such as renewable energy, climate action, nuclear energy, critical minerals, technology, education and more. Another highlight is the issuing of an important declaration to strengthen defence and security cooperation. Equally noteworthy is our discussions to work closely in shipbuilding, ship repair and maintenance," he wrote.
PM Modi's visit to Australia from July 8-10 culminated in 18 major outcomes spanning defence, maritime security, energy, critical technologies, education, mining, research, and cultural cooperation, significantly expanding the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
