An absolute delight connecting with the Indian diaspora at a community program in Sydney, says PM Modi.
Our Bureau
Sydney
Vedic chants and Australia’s traditional Aboriginal ceremony were performed to welcome PM Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, the venue for the community event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday admired the role of the Indian diaspora in Australia behind the strong and big foundation of India-Australia relations, enhancing mutual trust and mutual respect between the two great nations. He was greeted with big applause and chants of Modi-Modi.
Modi and Albanese were addressing a community gathering which was attended by more than 21,000 people from across Australia. PM Modi announced further that India will open a new consulate in Brisbane, to assist the Indian diaspora and facilitate business transactions.
Modi thanked his Australian counterpart for supporting him in unveiling the foundation stone of ‘Little India’, a suburb of Sydney. The announcement to declare Harris Park as ‘Little India’ was made by Australian Prime Minister Albanese as he welcomed Modi at the community event.
Harris Park is a hub in Western Sydney where the Indian community celebrates Diwali and Australia Day.
Prime Minister Modi made an interesting parallel between India and Australia describing that there was a time when the 3Cs of Commonwealth, Cricket, and Curry used to define our relations. Then it became the 3Ds of Democracy, Diaspora, and Dosti followed by the 3Es of Energy, Economy, and Education. But India and Australia’s partnership is much deeper now, thanks to the Indian diaspora.
Modi said that the geographical distances are there between India and Australia, but the Indian Ocean connects us. He highlighted the role of Yoga and Cricket in connecting both countries and now tennis and movies are becoming the bridge. He remembered Aussie spin bowler Shane Warne and recalled millions of Indians were saddened by his demise.
“Thank you, my friend, Anthony,” Modi said during the community event.
