PM Modi Highlights India’s Rising Global Stature at Massive Indian Diaspora Event in Melbourne

Melbourne, July 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered an energetic and inspiring address to thousands of members of the Indian diaspora at the ‘Melbourne Meets Modi’ community event in Melbourne on Thursday, celebrating India’s rapid transformation, the deepening India-Australia partnership, and the vital role played by overseas Indians in strengthening bilateral ties.

Addressing a packed Marvel Stadium, PM Modi said India today enjoys growing global recognition not only for its economic progress but also for its defence capabilities. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said the world had witnessed the strength and credibility of India’s indigenous defence platforms.

“The world has seen the capability and credibility of India’s defence systems. During Operation Sindoor, the strikes were carried out against terrorist hideouts, but their impact and message resonated across the world,” the Prime Minister said, drawing loud applause from the audience.

The event, attended by more than 20,000 enthusiastic members of the Indian community, was described as one of the largest gatherings of the Indian diaspora ever addressed by a political leader in Australia. The stadium reverberated with patriotic slogans, cultural performances, and celebrations of India’s growing global influence.

Highlighting the remarkable progress in India-Australia relations, PM Modi said the partnership between the two democracies has reached unprecedented heights in recent years. He credited the Indian diaspora for acting as a bridge between the two countries and strengthening people-to-people connections.

“The biggest contribution to this growing relationship has come from all of you. Together, you have transformed India-Australia ties into a vibrant and dynamic partnership,” he said.

Using cricket as a symbol of friendship, PM Modi described the sport as a common language that unites both nations. He said the connection now extends far beyond the cricket field into areas such as trade, defence, education, science, technology and innovation.

The Prime Minister also praised Melbourne’s vibrant Indian community, affectionately referring to the city as home to “Mini India.” He noted that while Melbourne experiences four seasons in a single day, the Indian spirit among the diaspora remains constant throughout the year.

“There are markets, neighbourhoods and communities here that proudly reflect India’s culture and traditions. Whether people call them Little India or Mini India, they continue to keep Indian values alive,” he said.

Reflecting on the emotional bonds shared by Indian families across continents, PM Modi spoke about children returning from Australian schools while grandparents in India eagerly wait for video calls, saying these everyday moments strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s impressive economic and technological achievements, saying the country is on course to become one of the world’s three largest economies. He pointed to India’s success in space exploration, including the Chandrayaan mission’s historic landing near the Moon’s south pole, as evidence of the nation’s scientific capabilities.

He further underlined India’s rapid digital transformation, noting that the country has built one of the world’s largest digital public infrastructure networks while successfully rolling out 5G services across nearly 90 per cent of the population. He also recalled India’s humanitarian assistance during global crises, including vaccine supplies and evacuation missions, demonstrating the country’s commitment as a responsible global partner.

PM Modi said the government’s emphasis on domestic manufacturing has significantly strengthened India’s economy while enhancing strategic self-reliance. The increasing international demand for Indian-made products, he added, reflects growing confidence in the country’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Looking ahead, he said India and Australia are entering a new phase of cooperation spanning clean energy, critical minerals, education, defence, artificial intelligence, innovation and space technology. He cited the upcoming launch of a Tata satellite using an Australian rocket as an example of expanding collaboration in advanced sectors.

Sports also featured prominently in his address. PM Modi highlighted the growing opportunities available to young athletes, especially women, and expressed confidence that India’s sporting ecosystem would continue to expand as the country prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who shared the stage with PM Modi, praised the Indian community for its immense contribution to Australian society and described them as the “living bridge” between the two nations. He also hailed PM Modi as a close friend whose leadership has played a significant role in elevating bilateral ties.

Recalling his previous visits to Australia, PM Modi remarked that unlike the long gap between earlier prime ministerial visits, India-Australia engagement has now become regular and dynamic. He also announced initiatives such as the Know India Quiz for children of the Indian diaspora, aimed at helping younger generations stay connected with India’s rich heritage and cultural diversity.

The event reflected not only the growing confidence of the Indian diaspora but also the expanding Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Australia. With stronger cooperation across trade, defence, clean energy, technology and innovation, both countries signalled their shared commitment to building a future-oriented partnership that benefits their people and contributes to stability and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.