Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “the boss” during a community event in Sydney. The event, held at the Qudos Bank Arena, witnessed a significant gathering of the Indian diaspora. Albanese compared Modi’s reception to that of Bruce Springsteen, highlighting the immense enthusiasm surrounding Modi’s visit.
Personal Connection and Travel Memories
Albanese shared his own experiences in India, recalling a profound connection between the people of Australia and India. He fondly reminisced about his backpacking trip in 1991, emphasizing the value of traveling by train and bus to gain a deeper understanding of the country.
Modi’s Grand Arrival
Prime Minister Modi received an electrifying welcome upon his arrival at the arena. The venue was filled with Indians residing abroad, with some even chartering a flight from Melbourne to attend the event. This visit marked the final leg of Modi’s three-nation tour, which also encompassed Japan and Papua New Guinea. Notably, it was Modi’s second visit to Australia since 2014.
Official Visit and Recognitions
Expressing his honor, Albanese warmly welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s official visit to Australia, following the overwhelming reception Modi received in India earlier in the year. Prior to arriving in Australia, Modi participated in the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, as a guest country. Additionally, he hosted the third summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation in Papua New Guinea, where he was honored with the highest civilian awards from Fiji and Papua New Guinea for his efforts in advocating for unity among Pacific Island nations and the Global South.
Engagement with Diverse Fields
During his stay in Sydney, Modi engaged with notable figures from various fields, including science, artificial intelligence, humanities, social work, gastronomy, art, and music. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs shared Modi’s encouragement for these individuals to contribute towards strengthening the India-Australia relationship.
Celebrating the Indian Community and Free Trade
The community event in Sydney, organized by the Indian Australian Diaspora Foundation (IADF), aimed to celebrate Australia’s vibrant Indian community, which is an integral part of the multicultural fabric of the country. Notably, India and Australia signed a free trade deal last year, marking the first such agreement between India and a developed country in a decade. The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, effective since December, eliminated duties on a significant portion of Indian exports to Australia and vice versa.