Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a community event in Melbourne on Thursday, highlighted the significant progress in India-Australia relations during his third visit to the country in 12 years. He credited the Indian diaspora for playing a pivotal role in elevating the bilateral ties to "great heights."
Hat-trick of visits underscores strong ties
PM Modi noted that his visit marked a "hat-trick" of visits to Australia within 12 years. He recalled that in 2014, he was the first Indian Prime Minister to visit in 28 years, and he had promised then that the wait would not be repeated. "This demonstrates the great heights that the relationship between India and Australia has reached. And do you know who played the biggest role in this? It wasn't Modi; it was all of you," he told the gathering.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the enthusiasm of the crowd, describing the event as "houseful" and a "blockbuster." He said he had previously met the diaspora in Sydney twice and was eager to connect with the people of Melbourne, even quipping that he wanted to "have a flat white coffee" with them.
Diaspora's dual role in both nations
PM Modi highlighted the deep connection the Indian diaspora maintains with India while contributing to Australia's development. He observed that many families manage two time zones—children attend school on Australian time while grandparents in India wait for video calls. "And alongside this routine, you are all contributing with full vigour to Australia's development. I am proud of you all," he said.
Using a metaphor, Modi described Indians as "sugar dissolving in milk, making it even sweeter." He added, "The milk at home might be Australian, but the tea brewed is Indian. The lentils and vegetables are Australian, yet they are tempered with authentic Indian spices."
Melbourne's Indian cultural vibrancy
The Prime Minister noted that Melbourne, which experiences all four seasons in a single day, has been made more vibrant by the Indian community's cultural hues. He referred to areas and markets infused with Indianness, often called "Little India" or "Mini India." Sharing an anecdote, he said a video showed such a market where sales are constant, and people get swept up in the excitement, often buying things even when not intending to. "Sale ke chakkar mein log ghanchakkar ban jate hain," he said.
Victoria Premier: India is a country we trust
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan, addressing the event, underscored the deep people-to-people ties between India and Victoria. She described India as "a country we trust" and said the Indian community is "part of who we are" in Victoria. "Mr Modi, I do invite you to take this message back home to you. Victoria respects India. We value your people. We welcome your students, your businesses, your families, your ideas. In Victoria, the Indian community is not just accepted, they are part of who we are," Allan said.
She emphasized the growing strategic and economic relationship, stating, "India is not just a country we trade with, it is a country we trust."
Australian PM: Energy defines partnership
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked that the energy felt at the event "defines the Australia-India partnership." He said, "It is this enthusiasm and dynamism that drives the positivity and promise of our two nations and peoples."
