Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese celebrated the contribution of Australia’s Indian community before a packed Marvel Stadium on Thursday night, saying people-to-people ties remain at the heart of the Australia-India partnership.
The Melbourne Meets Modi event brought together thousands of members of the Indian Australian community following a day of summit meetings, business engagements and the signing of new agreements on defence, technology, energy security and critical minerals.
Speaking to the gathering, Albanese said the energy inside Marvel Stadium reflected the strength of the relationship between the two countries.
“The energy that we feel in here tonight defines the Australia-India partnership.”
“It is an enthusiasm and a dynamism that drives a positivity and promise of our two nations and peoples.”
Albanese reflected on his long-standing connection with India, recalling his first visit as a backpacker more than three decades ago and the hospitality he experienced.
He said Australia’s Indian community had become an integral part of the nation’s story.
“The profound contribution to our great nation of the more than 1 million Australians who trace their heritage proudly back to India” had enriched Australia, he said.
He praised Indian Australians for their contribution across business, education, healthcare and community life.
“You are a living bridge between Australia and India.”
Earlier in the day, Albanese and Modi held the third Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit, announcing a series of agreements covering defence and security, cyber cooperation, critical technologies, maritime security, energy and critical minerals.
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade and investment and progressing negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.
Modi told the Melbourne audience that this was his third visit to Australia as Prime Minister and said it reflected how far the bilateral relationship had advanced.
He credited the Indian diaspora with helping build that relationship.
“It is not Modi. It is all of you Indians who have played the biggest role,” he told the crowd.
The Prime Minister said Indian Australians had maintained strong cultural ties while making valuable contributions to Australian society.
“You are contributing with full strength to Australia’s development. I am proud of all of you.”
Drawing applause from the audience, Modi used a familiar analogy to describe the Indian community’s role around the world.
“We Indians are like sugar in milk. Wherever we go, we add sweetness.”
He also spoke about India’s rapid economic growth, digital transformation, manufacturing expansion and ambitions to host the Olympic Games in 2036, saying Australia and India had opportunities to work together across innovation, education and sport.
The Indian Prime Minister welcomed the growing presence of Australian universities in India, describing it as a new chapter in the education partnership between the two countries. He encouraged greater exchanges between students and young people as both nations strengthened their knowledge economy links.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said Victoria was proud to host the visit and described the state’s Indian community as central to its identity.
“In Victoria, the Indian community is not just accepted. They are part of who we are.”
She told the audience that Indian Australians never had to choose between their heritage and their identity in Victoria.
“Your children never have to choose between being proudly Indian and proudly Victorian.”
The community celebration followed a day that also included Modi receiving a ceremonial guard of honour at Government House, meeting Governor of Victoria Margaret Gardner AC, holding talks with Albanese and participating in business and education engagements aimed at expanding cooperation between the two countries.
The visit concludes on Friday with a visit by Modi and Albanese to the Melbourne Cricket Ground before the Indian Prime Minister departs Australia for New Zealand.
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