India (Commonwealth Union)_ As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Australia, he received a warm welcome from Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Australians, as well as the Indian community in Australia. During his address in Sydney, he highlighted the strong relationship between India and Australia, emphasizing the significant level of mutual trust that has fostered increased cooperation over time, particularly in defense and security matters. Further, PM Modi expressed his desire to take bilateral ties to a higher level, which would involve deeper defense relations in support of an “open and free” Indo-Pacific region.
During an interview, PM Modi discussed the challenges faced by the Indo-Pacific, including climate change, natural disasters, terrorism, the security of sea lanes, piracy, and illegal fishing. He highlighted the need for shared efforts to address these challenges. PM Modi also emphasized his vision of realizing the true potential of closer defense and security relations between Australia and India. He highlighted the important role played by the fast-growing Indian diaspora in nurturing the relationship between New Delhi and Canberra. During his visit to Sydney, he emphasized the strong people-to-people connections and the increasing Indian diaspora in Australia, which have strengthened the partnership between the two countries.
PM Modi expressed his appreciation for the “living bridge” created by the Indian diaspora, emphasizing the shared love for cricket as a factor fostering bilateral connections. He also mentioned the significant progress made in various areas of cooperation, including defense, security, investment, education, water, climate change, renewable energy, sports, science, health, and culture. According to the official statement from the Australian government, the bilateral meetings between the leaders will focus on trade and investment, with efforts to enhance economic cooperation through a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. They will also discuss strengthening people-to-people links, renewable energy, and defense and security cooperation.
Arriving in Sydney, PM Modi received a warm welcome from Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O’Farrell and other delegates. During his two-day visit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and business executives. He will also engage with the large Indian diaspora, numbering around 750,000, and address a mega-event at Sydney Olympic Park. Further, the Indian diaspora in Australia warmly greeted PM Modi, chanting slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” upon his arrival, showcasing the strong bonds between the two nations.
