Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Australia on Wednesday for a three-day official visit, receiving a warm welcome from the Indian community in Melbourne. Members of the diaspora presented cultural performances, chanted "Vande Mataram", "Bharat Mata ki Jai", and "Modi, Modi" slogans, reflecting the enthusiasm surrounding the visit.
Cultural Welcome and Diaspora Enthusiasm
The Australian Indian Orchestra performed a rendition of "Vande Mataram" to greet PM Modi. Lucky Singh, a diaspora member originally from Delhi, expressed excitement: "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." He highlighted the importance of growing business ties, noting that India needs uranium from Australia while Australia requires IT experts from India.
Simarjit Singh, from Uttar Pradesh and a Melbourne resident for 17 years, said: "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."
Trade and Economic Impact
Prakash Gupta, Treasurer of the Australia-India Business Council for Victoria, expressed confidence in expanding trade ties. He stated that bilateral trade has grown from $14 billion to approximately $55 billion, with a target of $100 billion by 2030. The visit is expected to further boost commerce between the two nations.
PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport. During his visit, he will hold talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and interact with the Indian diaspora. In a post on X, PM Modi said: "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."
Strategic Partnership and Future Cooperation
Discussions are expected to focus on defence and security, trade and investments, education, mobility, and people-to-people ties. In his departure statement, PM Modi noted that the visit would also deepen bilateral ties in emerging and critical technologies, sports, and sports science.
Australia's High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, shared a video message from Melbourne: "Namaste Prime Minister Modi! A quick vibe check from Melbourne: the city is buzzing and ready to extend you a warm welcome." He emphasized the importance of trade and commerce, saying: "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."
This is the second leg of PM Modi's three-nation visit, having previously visited Indonesia, with New Zealand as the final destination.
