From playing Holi to attending a cricket match to furthering ties across trade, education ad defence sectors, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he has been “immersed in the wonders” of India. “I feel so fortunate to be visiting India for the third time in my life.”
The Prime Minister who arrived on 8 March began by cementing cultural links—celebrating the festival of Holi in Gandhinagar and watching cricket with Indian Prime Minister Modi in Ahmedabad.
For Albanese, this was his first Holi celebration in India. “Our multicultural nation benefits from respecting the beliefs, traditions and experiences of people from all over the world,” he said at the Raj Bhawan in Gandhinagar.
The Australian census reports more than 80,000 Gujarati-speakers have made a home in Australia. “Whatever the future holds, I know that Australia’s Indian-origin community is and will continue to be a crucial partner in the task of making our great nation greater still,” Albanese said.
Attending the opening of the fourth cricket test with Modi and taking a ride on a golden chariot at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Albanese said, “It was once again a real opportunity to cement those ties”. The two countries are also celebrating 75 years of test cricket, going back to when Donald Bradman was the captain of the first Australian cricket team at that time.
Later in Mumbai, addressing a gathering from the Indian food and beverage, film, tourism and hospitality sectors, Albanese said, “I’ve been immersed in the wonders of this country.”
With more than 85 per cent of Australian goods exports by value to India now tariff free—and 96 per cent of imports from India to Australia tariff free, Albanese hoped the bustling restaurants of Mumbai and Delhi will be showcasing great Australian products, “with a glass of premium Australian wine alongside”.
“I am pleased that our two governments have been working hard to bring our two film industries closer together. I look forward to seeing more Indian—Australian co-productions on our screens soon showcasing the best of both our cultures, landscapes and people,” he said, adding, “As a cricket tragic, I’m hoping fast-bowler-turned-Bollywood-actor Brett Lee might even feature!”
Calling India a top tier security partner, Albanese has thanked Modi but for his dedication in driving forward the defence and security partnership of both the countries.
It is “a partnership that is of increasing strategic importance as we navigate the challenges of our region together,” said Albanese after his visit to newly-commissioned, Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
“The Indian Ocean is central to both countries’ security and prosperity… And we share an unwavering commitment to upholding the rules-based international order and ensuring the Indo-Pacific is open, inclusive and prosperous,” he added.
The Prime Minister, who is on a four-day visit to India ending on Saturday, said 2023 will be busier than ever for defence cooperation between India and Australia.
He announced aboard the INS Vikrant, that later this year Australia will host Exercise Malabar for the first time, a joint military operations with India, Japan and the United States in the Malabar exercises off the coast of Perth. India will, also for the first time, participate in Australia’s Talisman Sabre exercise.
Albanese concludes his tour of India on 11 March.
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