Federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has praised the Australia-India relationship following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Melbourne, describing the partnership as one built on shared democratic values, economic opportunity and a growing friendship between the two countries.
Taylor, who met Modi during the visit alongside Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, said the Coalition welcomed the Indian Prime Minister’s return to Australia and reaffirmed its support for closer bilateral ties.
“It was a pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Modi to Australia and to meet with him,” Taylor said.
He also acknowledged the response from the Indian Australian community during the visit.
“To all those celebrating the deep friendship of Australia and India, I commend your passion and your patriotism.”
Taylor said Australia and India were connected by shared democratic traditions and a commitment to freedom.
“To Prime Minister Modi, there is so much that draws us together.”
“Indians and Australians alike are people who love liberty and cherish our independence.”
“India is the world’s largest democracy, and Australia is among the world’s oldest democracies.”
He said the two countries faced common strategic challenges in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
“In a more dangerous world where authoritarian regimes are emboldened, I know we will each rise to the task of defending freedom and national sovereignty.”
Taylor also highlighted the economic relationship, describing Australia and India as outward-looking trading nations.
“Today, as well as being robust democracies, we are bold free-trading nations open to the world and eager to create a more prosperous future for our citizens.”
“Our common heritage, values, and optimism are the bonds of an unbreakable kinship.”
Modi’s three-day visit to Melbourne included the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit, meetings with business and education leaders, a ceremonial welcome at Government House, and the Melbourne Meets Modi community event at Marvel Stadium. The visit also produced agreements across defence, maritime security, critical minerals, cyber technology, energy, education and investment.
Taylor said the visit had been particularly meaningful for Australia’s Indian community.
“It is a great joy to see Prime Minister Modi in Australia again and to welcome him here.”
“And it is also a great privilege for us that Prime Minister Modi extended this gesture of friendship to visit the Australian people, especially Australians of Indian ancestry for whom I know this visit is so special.”
Looking ahead, Taylor said there was optimism about the future of the bilateral relationship.
“Upon the occasion of your visit to Australia, there is so much to celebrate about what our two nations have already built together, but I know what will excite us all most of all are the new partnerships and new possibilities that our two people are forging together.”
He concluded by reaffirming the Coalition’s support for the relationship.
“On behalf of the Federal Coalition – it was an honour to welcome Prime Minister to Australia.”
“You will always be among friends here in Australia.”
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