Albanese Hails PM Modi, Celebrates Indian Diaspora as Bridge Between India and Australia

Melbourne, July 2026 : Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “true friend of Australia” while welcoming him to a packed Marvel Stadium during the grand “Melbourne Meets Modi” community event, describing the evening as a celebration of the deep and growing partnership between the two nations.

Addressing thousands of members of the Indian diaspora, Albanese said it was a privilege to host PM Modi and praised the vibrant contribution of the Indian-origin community to Australian society. He remarked that although Marvel Stadium had witnessed many iconic sporting and cultural events over the years, the gathering in honour of the Indian Prime Minister was among its most memorable occasions.

Welcoming PM Modi, Albanese said the enthusiasm and energy inside the stadium reflected the strength of the Australia-India relationship. He noted that the friendship between the two democracies continues to deepen through shared values, growing economic ties and strong people-to-people connections.

Recalling his previous visits to India, Albanese said every trip had left a lasting impression on him because of the country’s rich culture, remarkable diversity and the warmth shown by its people. He particularly remembered the memorable roadshow with PM Modi at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium during his 2023 visit, describing it as an unforgettable experience that highlighted the affection shared by the people of both countries.

The Australian Prime Minister said the same warmth and affection were clearly visible at the Melbourne event, which showcased the extraordinary bond between India and Australia. He added that the relationship extends far beyond governments and is firmly rooted in the close connections between their people.

Highlighting the role of the Indian diaspora, Albanese said more than one million Australians with Indian heritage have become an integral part of the nation’s progress. He described them as the “living bridge” linking Australia and India, helping strengthen cooperation in every sphere.

He praised the Indian community for its spirit of service, saying its members are often among the first to volunteer during national emergencies and times of crisis. According to Albanese, he had conveyed this appreciation to PM Modi privately on several occasions and was pleased to acknowledge it publicly before the large gathering.

The Prime Minister also underlined the significant economic contribution of Australians of Indian origin. He said they are playing a vital role in addressing skill shortages across sectors such as healthcare, information technology and engineering, while also driving entrepreneurship through thousands of successful small businesses.

Albanese further recognised the growing number of Indian students choosing Australia for higher education, particularly in the state of Victoria, noting that they contribute not only to academic excellence but also to the country’s innovation and future workforce.

He said Australia’s multicultural identity has been enriched by Indian traditions, culture, festivals and values, making the nation stronger, more inclusive and more vibrant. The Indian community, he added, has become a symbol of aspiration, hard work and success.

The Australian leader emphasised that the India-Australia partnership has entered a new phase of strategic cooperation spanning trade, education, defence, technology, clean energy and critical minerals. He expressed confidence that under the leadership of both Prime Ministers, bilateral relations would continue to expand across every sector.

Concluding his address, Albanese thanked the Indian community for its enduring contribution to Australia’s growth and prosperity. He reaffirmed that Australia deeply values its friendship with India and looked forward to building an even stronger partnership for future generations.