PM Modi emphasizes mutual trust and respect as cornerstones of India-Australia relations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed the significance of mutual trust and respect in fostering strong ties between India and Australia during his address to a massive crowd of the Indian diaspora in Sydney on Tuesday. The event, held at the Qudos Bank Arena, welcomed Modi with great enthusiasm from the diaspora members.
As Modi arrived at the arena alongside his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, he was greeted with Vedic chants and traditional rituals, symbolizing the warm reception. Addressing the Indian diaspora, Modi emphasized the connecting factors between the two nations.
"Despite the geographical distance separating India and Australia, the Indian Ocean acts as a binding force. Our diverse lifestyles may differ, but yoga unites us. Cricket has been a longstanding connection between our countries, and now tennis and movies serve as additional bridges," he stated.
Referring to the historical context of India-Australia relations, Modi mentioned that there was a time when the "3Cs" - Commonwealth, Cricket, and Curry - defined their ties. It later evolved into the "3Ds" - Democracy, Diaspora, and Dosti (friendship). Presently, it has transformed into the "3Es" - Energy, Economy, and Education. However, Modi emphasized that beyond these categorizations, the true depth of the relationship lies in mutual trust, mutual respect, and the Indian diaspora serving as the real reason behind the strong foundation.
Modi reiterated his commitment to visiting the Indian community in Australia more frequently, fulfilling a promise made during his previous visit. "Last time I came here, I made you all a promise. I assured you that you would not have to wait another 28 years to see your Prime Minister from India. And here I am! Prime Minister Albanese is also here with me," he affirmed.
The Prime Minister also took a moment to pay tribute to the late Australian bowling legend Shane Warne, emphasizing the bond between the two nations not only during joyful moments but also in times of sorrow. "We share both happiness and grief. The entire Indian nation mourned the loss of Shane Warne," he expressed.
Modi further highlighted the remarkable progress India has made in the past nine years. "We have opened approximately 500 million bank accounts for the underprivileged. Moreover, we have revolutionized the public delivery system in India. Since 2014, over Rs 28 lakh crore have been directly transferred to the beneficiaries' bank accounts," he stated.
The Prime Minister emphasized the transformative impact of the JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) Trinity and the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, which have brought about a revolution in the country. International institutions have also acknowledged India's economic resilience.
"The International Monetary Fund (IMF) considers India the 'Bright Spot' in the global economy. According to the World Bank, if any country can withstand global headwinds, it is India. Even in the most challenging times, India has achieved record-breaking exports," Modi added.
Modi's visit to Sydney marked the final leg of his three-nation tour, where he was hosted by the Australian government. Notably, in 2014, Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Australia since Rajiv Gandhi. During his visit, he addressed a crowd of 20,000 people at the Sydney SuperDome at Olympic Park, foreseeing more frequent visits from Indian leaders to Australia in the coming years.
Prime Minister Modi's address to the Indian diaspora in Sydney highlighted the significance of mutual trust and respect in fostering strong bilateral relations between India and Australia. The event showcased the warm reception received by Modi and emphasized the shared cultural, sporting, and economic connections between the two nations.