Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson says she plans to lead a Liberal delegation to India after meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Melbourne during his three-day Australian visit.
Wilson met Modi and his delegation on Friday morning alongside federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and shadow foreign affairs minister Ted O’Brien. The meeting followed Thursday night’s Melbourne Meets Modi community event at Marvel Stadium, where Wilson introduced members of the Victorian Liberal Nationals’ shadow ministry to the Indian Prime Minister.
During the meeting, Modi invited Wilson and her team to visit India and extended an invitation for a Liberal Party delegation to observe forthcoming state elections.
Wilson said the meeting focused on the economic, cultural and democratic links between Victoria and India.
“It was a great honour to welcome Prime Minister Modi to Melbourne this week, and to introduce him to my team. Victoria is home to one of the largest and fastest-growing Indian communities in the country, and their contribution to our state is enormous.”
Wilson attended the Marvel Stadium event with Deputy Opposition Leader David Southwick, shadow multicultural and multifaith affairs minister Evan Mulholland and shadow police and corrections minister Brad Battin.
She said stronger links with India would remain a priority for the Victorian Opposition.
“Our meeting was incredibly warm and reflected the deep and enduring friendship between Australia and India. Prime Minister Modi and I discussed the profound economic, cultural, and democratic ties that bind Victoria and India together. Victoria is home to a dynamic Indian diaspora, and strengthening our state’s relationship with India is a key priority for my team.”
Wilson said she welcomed the invitation to visit India and observe state elections.
“I was deeply touched by the Prime Minister’s generous invitation to visit India and for the invitation extended to our team to observe the upcoming state elections. I look forward to leading a delegation to India to further build on these vital economic and cultural ties.”
The invitation came during the final day of Modi’s visit to Melbourne, which included the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit, business and education meetings, a ceremonial welcome at Government House and a major Indian community event at Marvel Stadium.
Wilson said she had also conveyed messages from members of Victoria’s Indian community during the meeting.
“During our meeting, I was proud to pass on the good wishes of Victoria’s thriving Indian diaspora, which the Prime Minister received so warmly. The Victorian Liberal Nationals will always champion a strong and close relationship with India, and I look forward to building on the discussions we had this week.”
Modi’s visit produced agreements and announcements across defence, maritime security, critical technologies, energy, education and investment, as Australia and India sought to expand cooperation under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
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