Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Melbourne, beginning a three-day visit that will bring together political leaders, business representatives and thousands of members of Australia’s Indian community for one of the most closely watched diplomatic visits of the year.
Modi landed in Melbourne on Wednesday evening after visiting Indonesia, the first stop of a three-nation tour that will also take him to New Zealand. He was welcomed at the airport by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Federal Minister for Home Affairs Clare O’Neil.
The visit centres on the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, reflecting the growing strategic partnership between the two countries across trade, defence, technology, education and critical minerals.
Thursday will be the busiest day of the visit, with Modi scheduled to meet Albanese for formal talks before attending an Australia-India Economic Roadmap Business Reception, receiving a ceremonial welcome at Government House Victoria and delivering joint statements with the Australian Prime Minister. He will also meet Governor-General Sam Mostyn before attending the Melbourne Meets Modi community event at Marvel Stadium.
The sold-out Marvel Stadium event is expected to attract tens of thousands of members of Australia’s Indian community, making it one of the largest Indian diaspora gatherings ever held in Victoria. Modi and Albanese are expected to address the audience after cultural performances, with organisers describing the event as a celebration of the growing ties between Australia and India.
The visit comes as Australia and India continue to deepen cooperation through their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with discussions expected to focus on defence and security, trade and investment, critical minerals, emerging technologies, education and people-to-people links.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described India as one of Australia’s most important strategic and economic partners.
“I am honoured to welcome my friend Prime Minister Modi to Australia for our Annual Leaders’ Summit,” Albanese said before the visit.
“The Australia-India relationship has never been more consequential, and our partnership fosters peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
“I look forward to strengthening Australia and India’s deep partnership.”
While official events are focused on strengthening bilateral relations, Modi’s visit is also expected to draw demonstrations from groups holding differing views. Human rights advocates have announced protests over issues including civil liberties and minority rights in India, while anti-mass migration campaigners have used social media to organise a separate demonstration near Thursday’s community event.
Security has been increased around official venues across Melbourne, including Government House and Marvel Stadium, with authorities preparing for large crowds during the Prime Minister’s visit.
Following Thursday’s engagements, Modi and Albanese will visit the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday before the Indian Prime Minister departs Australia later that afternoon.
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