'Australian milk, Indian tea': PM Modi praises Indian community in Melbourne

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed the Indian diaspora in Australia for preserving its cultural roots while contributing to Australia's growth, saying that although "the milk at home might be Australian, the tea brewed is Indian."

Addressing nearly 30,000 members of the Indian community at a packed event in Melbourne, Modi used everyday examples to highlight the enduring bond Indians abroad share with their homeland.

"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," the Prime Minister said, drawing applause from the audience.

The community gathering followed Modi's summit with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, during which both leaders agreed to further deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The two countries announced 18 key outcomes spanning energy, defence, critical technologies and trade, while also deciding to accelerate work on the proposed Comprehensive Economic Cooperation.

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In a post on X after the meeting, Modi said he held "wide-ranging discussions" with Albanese and noted that bilateral cooperation had expanded significantly since the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was launched in 2022.

Opening his address with a light-hearted remark, Modi compared the gathering to a blockbuster event.

"This show is houseful. It is a blockbuster," he said, recalling his earlier interactions with the Indian community in Sydney. "This time I thought I would have a flat white coffee with the people of Melbourne."

Highlighting the unique lives of overseas Indians, Modi said many families simultaneously operate across Australian and Indian time zones.

"There must be many among you who manage at least two time zones in your households. Here, children return from school according to Australian time, while grandparents back in India are waiting to connect via video call," he said.

The Prime Minister praised the diaspora for maintaining strong ties with India despite the geographical distance.

"While the physical distance spans thousands of kilometres, your daily routine remains deeply connected to India. Alongside this routine, you are all contributing with full vigour to Australia's development. I am proud of you all," he said.

Using another metaphor to describe the Indian community's integration into Australian society, Modi said, "We Indians are just like sugar dissolving in milk, making it even sweeter. We Indians keep infusing the world with the essence of our love."