PM Modi receives rousing welcome from Indian diaspora on arrival in Australia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from members of the Indian community after arriving in Australia on Wednesday for a three-day official visit.

Members of the diaspora greeted the Prime Minister with cultural performances and patriotic chants, including "Vande Mataram", "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Modi, Modi".

Expressing his gratitude for the reception, Modi said the warmth shown by the Indian community made a lasting impression despite Melbourne's chilly weather.

"The weather in Melbourne may be cold but the warmth of the welcome from the Indian community was truly unforgettable. Their affection and unwavering bond with India continue to be a source of immense joy and pride," the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome in Melbourne with a rendition of ”Vande Mataram” by the Australian Indian Orchestra.

More from World

Ahead of his arrival in Australia, members of the Indian diaspora expressed enthusiasm for the visit and called for a deeper partnership between the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Australia on Wednesday in the second leg of his three-nation visit and was accorded a warm welcome at the airport.

During the three-day visit, PM Modi will hold talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and interact with the Indian diaspora.

The visit will add vigour to the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, PM Modi said in a post on X.

”I look forward to the talks with Prime Minister Albanese. I will also have the opportunity to interact with the Indian diaspora, which is an important pillar of our partnership,” he said.

PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport.

PM Modi and his Australian counterpart are expected to take forward bilateral relations in the areas of defence and security, trade and investments, education and mobility and people-to-people ties.

In his departure statement, PM Modi said the visit will also provide an opportunity for India and Australia to deepen our bilateral ties in the areas of emerging and critical technologies, sports and sports science.

Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, shared a video message from Melbourne on Wednesday, noting that there is excitement about the visit.

”Namaste Prime Minister Modi! A quick vibe check from Melbourne: the city is buzzing and ready to extend you a warm welcome. I’ve just arrived, and the excitement is palpable. A big week of conversations, connections, and progress for the Australia-India partnership,” Green said in a post on X.

”I know many people in here are focusing on the major diaspora engagement he will have, but, very, very important is the trade and commerce relationship between our countries. Already terrific with our first phase free trade agreement, that can get even stronger. Melbourne is also the city of culture, and we are looking to do more in the field of arts and culture with India,” he added.

PM Modi reached Australia in the second leg of his three-nation visit. He visited Indonesia and will later visit New Zealand.

With inputs from agencies