PM Modi Highlights Operation Sindoor Success in Melbourne
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a community event in Melbourne on Thursday during his three-day visit to Australia, underscored India's defence capabilities demonstrated through Operation Sindoor. He stated that the strikes destroyed terrorist hideouts, but their echoes were heard across the world.
"The world is witnessing the capability and credibility of India's defence platforms. You must have seen a demonstration of this during 'Operation Sindoor'. The explosions were taking place at terrorist hideouts, but their echoes were heard across the entire world. When such a decisive strike was carried out against terror camps, did you feel pride or not?" Modi asked the diaspora audience.
Operation Sindoor: India's Zero-Tolerance Response
Operation Sindoor was India's resolute response to the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, reflecting the government's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. India successfully destroyed nine major terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), targeting facilities of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Over 100 terrorists were killed in the operation, according to official reports.
Make in India and Startup Ecosystem
PM Modi also highlighted India's rise as a manufacturing power, complementing its strategic strength. "Over the past 12 years, 'Make in India' has evolved into a global brand. Our mobile phones and electronics have reached markets across the globe. Our automobiles and pharmaceutical products have expanded their global footprint," he said.
He noted that India now has more than 200,000 registered start-ups, with over 4,000 new start-ups being registered every month. "These sectors were opened to private entrepreneurship only a few years ago, and today, India's first private space start-up is set to launch a satellite on its own rocket very soon," Modi added.
Digital India Initiatives and Diaspora Engagement
Modi shared snippets of India's growth journey with the diaspora, highlighting initiatives like DigiLocker and the teleconsultation platform e-Sanjeevani, among other strides made in the last 12 years. He termed the community event "electrifying" in a post on X, thanking Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for making the event more special. "His speech was outstanding, reflecting his deep commitment to India-Australia friendship and the immense value he places on our partnership," Modi wrote.
Australian PM Lauds Indian Diaspora as 'Living Bridge'
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the Indian diaspora as the "living bridge" between Australia and India, stating that the energy and enthusiasm at the community event reflected the growing strength of the bilateral partnership. The visit has produced major outcomes spanning defence, maritime security, energy, critical technologies, education, mining, research, and cultural cooperation, significantly expanding the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
