The upcoming rally of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Qudos Arena in Sydney Olympic Park has ignited a spectrum of responses within the Indian diaspora community. As anticipation builds for tomorrow’s event, some eagerly await Modi’s address, while others remain indifferent or sceptical about its potential impact.
One Sydney resident, *Shamita, a small business owner, openly admits her lack of awareness about the rally, hinting at subdued enthusiasm among some locals. She reveals that she recently met with her Indian friends over the weekend, but none of them mentioned or discussed the forthcoming event.
In contrast, Sydney-based writer and radio presenter Taufeeq Ahmed Sheikh, also residing in Sydney, emphasises the significance of Modi’s visit, urging fellow diaspora members not to overlook the importance of the occasion due to political affiliations.
“Although the QUAD meeting was recently cancelled, Modi’s decision to proceed with his visit highlights the continued importance of the Indo-Australian relationship. It may also reflect the evolving dynamics of global geopolitics, with implications for the influence of the United States and President Biden,” he says.
Looking beyond the rally, the hope is that Modi’s visit will lead to advancements in trade alliances and cultural exchanges between India and Australia, he adds.
*Raju, a resident of Townsville, expresses indifference toward the rally but expresses curiosity about the practical outcomes of free trade agreements and increased recognition of skills from India.
In contrast, Venkat N Vangaveti, another Townsville resident, eagerly anticipates the Indian Prime Minister’s visit, considering it a significant milestone in India-Australia relations.
“As India’s most popular and influential leader, I am confident that Modi will be able to strengthen the ties between the two countries, foster greater collaboration, and contribute to mutual progress. I am eager to hear his keynote address during his visit and am hopeful that this visit will result in more opportunities for the people of both countries. As Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘The future depends on what we do in the present.’ I believe that the outcome of this visit will be beneficial for both India and Australia in the long-term,” says Vangaveti.
Entrepreneur, Veena Gandhi, based in Melbourne, believes Modi’s visit will elevate India’s global presence to new heights. Gandhi also highlights the growing significance of the bilateral relationship between India and Australia, particularly emphasised by the recent visit of Australian Prime Minister Albanese to India. “I see this visit as an opportunity to unlock numerous business and trade prospects, elevating the engagement between the two nations.”
Acknowledging India as one of the largest sources of migrants to Australia, Deepak Joshi, co-founder of The Humanism Project and also a Melbourne resident, views India as Australia’s crucial strategic partner against China’s rising influence in the region.
However, he expresses serious concerns about India’s recent human rights record under Modi and the divisive nature of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s domestic politics. Joshi believes that a meaningful, long-term relationship between Australia and India should be based on mutual respect for human rights, media freedom, judicial independence, equality, open government, and a shared commitment to free and fair multiparty democracy.
“Good friends tell each other hard truths and so should Australia. A meaningful, long term relationship between Australia and India must be based on mutual respect for human rights, media freedom, judicial independence, equality, open government and a shared commitment to free and fair multiparty democracy.
“PM Albanese must raise these issues in his discussions with PM Modi. An India in a state of steady democratic decline cannot remain a good strategic ally in the long term,” says Joshi.
The stage is set for Prime Minister Modi’s rally in Sydney, and the range of reactions within the Indian diaspora highlights the complexities and diverse perspectives surrounding his visit.
* Some names changed on request for anonymity
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