Melbourne: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing welcome from thousands of members of the Indian diaspora at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on Thursday as he continued his official visit to Australia, a trip aimed at deepening bilateral ties in trade, investment, education and strategic cooperation.
The community event, popularly billed as “Melbourne Meets Modi”, drew tens of thousands of attendees and was organised to celebrate the growing relationship between India and Australia as well as the contributions of the Indian-origin community in Australia. Estimates ahead of the gathering suggested attendance could range between 25,000 and 30,000 people.
Modi’s visit marks his first trip to Australia in three years and forms part of a broader multi-nation tour. During his stay in Melbourne, he is scheduled to hold talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and participate in events focused on strengthening economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Earlier in the day, Modi and Albanese participated in business engagements, including discussions with industry leaders, where both sides highlighted opportunities for greater collaboration in sectors such as energy, resources, innovation and investment. Addressing a business gathering, Modi described the engagement as a symbol of the confidence shared by both nations in their future partnership.
The visit has also attracted attention from human rights groups and protest organisations, which called on Australian leaders to raise concerns relating to human rights and minority issues in India. Demonstrations were held in Melbourne alongside the large-scale community celebrations.
Security arrangements around the visit were heightened after Australian authorities investigated an online threat directed at the Indian Prime Minister earlier this week. The Australian Federal Police said a young person had been identified and issued a formal warning, adding that there was no current threat to public safety.
