modi sydney visit 2023 tickets

• SYDNEY, NSW
• MELBOURNE, VIC
• HOBART, TAS
• BRISBANE, QLD
• ADELAIDE, SA
• CANBERRA, ACT

Australia, India friendship enters 'T20 mode', Modi says

Rock star welcome for Modi

• Anthony Albanese

Send your stories to [email protected]

Auto news: Is it cheaper to drive or catch public transport? Here's the truth in 2024.

Top Stories

Energy bill relief, tax cuts but JobSeekers left out

Tradie becomes the world's most radioactive person

Energy bill relief, rent assistance, and freeze on cost of medicines

Watch: Croucher and Probyn analysis

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Narendra Modi’s rock-star welcome to Sydney is part concert, part political rally and all about soft power

More than 20,000 people throng stadium for event that plays to confidence of India’s diaspora

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails , free app or daily news podcast

It was a rock-star welcome that would have made any of the world’s biggest stars blush.

But not Narendra Modi .

Entering a heaving Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney’s west on Tuesday night, he was greeted by a roaring crowd who cheered and clapped throughout his speech.

The Indian leader, who has been prime minister since 2014 and is vying for a third term at next year’s elections, spoke for nearly an hour, on both Australian-Indian relations as well as Indian economic and cultural successes.

“There are three Cs that defined our relationship with Australia: the commonwealth, cricket and curry. But now it is three Ds: democracy, diaspora, dosti [friendship],” he started. “Now there are also three Es that define the relationship: energy, economy and education.”

Modi went on to list popular eateries in Harris Park, a central suburb for the Indian diaspora in Sydney, much to the delight of the crowd: “I want you all to take my friend Australian PM Albanese to these places.”

He said: “Mutual trust and mutual respect have not developed only due to the diplomatic relations of India-Australia. The real reason, the real power is – all of you Indians who live in Australia.”

The arena event felt closer to a concert than a public appearance by two world leaders, as attendees held up flags and signs, and hung on Modi’s every word.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup

Organised by the Indian Australian Diaspora Foundation, the event ran for hours before the leaders arrived and featured dances and singing by local and international groups. At one point, a countdown was featured on the massive screens above the centre stage, with every update cheered by the crowd.

“Man, this is awesome,” said Bhoomika Sampath, one of the volunteers at the event. “We are very proud of our country, we each hold on to that pride and want to be a part of it. We want to participate, and thats why we’re here.”

The event resembled a political rally, with Modi regularly inviting the audience to cheer for India and its economic or cultural achievements, such as the size of the country’s workforce, the number of smartphones, the growth of fintech startups and the uptake of Covid vaccines.

And while Modi covered a lot of ground, he did not mention the suppression of free media in India, with the Committee to Protect Journalists reporting 32 journalists and media workers killed since 2014.

Modi’s Bharatiya Janata party government is also accused of using repressive and intimidatory tactics against political opponents and civil society organisations, and of unlawfully discriminating against Muslims.

after newsletter promotion

None of these issues were addressed by the prime minister, Anthony Albanese , or the New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, who opened for Modi.

His visit comes as the diaspora is exploding, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics forecasting the community will reach 1.07 million by 2035.

Rajni Anand Luthra, from the local media platform Indian Link, said the repetition of lines about Indian success aimed to engage the local diaspora’s sense of identity and patriotism.

“Indian soft power is so strong at the moment that something like this gives the community confidence and a big sense of identity, and you can see it in the way the community is changing,” Luthra said, adding: “We will play Bollywood music from our cars and bring our food into the office – the community is not shy about itself any more. And to attend an event with Albanese instills confidence in that identity.”

Albanese, who announced the opening of the new Centre for Australia-India Relations in Parramatta, said he had never seen a reception like this.

“The last time I saw someone on this stage was Bruce Springsteen and he did not get the welcome that prime minister Modi has got,” he said. “Prime minister Modi is the boss.”

He said the centre would help foster stronger ties: “We want to see more connections, more Australian and Indian students living and studying in each other’s countries and bringing those experiences home.”

• Australia news
• Narendra Modi
• Anthony Albanese
• Australian politics
• Australian foreign policy

Most viewed

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.

Hello Guest!   Login

+61 422 429 841

+61 280 061 947

Community Reception to Welcome PM Modi

Tuesday, 23 May 2023

• Event Overview

We are pleased to inform you that our Chapter is selected as a Welcome Partner for the community reception to honour the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi in Sydney on Tuesday, 23rd May 2023.

This event is organised by Indian Australian Diaspora Foundation (IADF). The venue and the time are yet to be announced by the organisers.

Being a member of the Chapter, you have the advantage to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) well in advance before bookings are opened to the general public in May. However, please note the submission of EOI doesn’t guarantee tickets.

EOI registration is a two-step process.

Step 1: Submit EOI through our website. Here you will need to indicate only the number of people including yourself who would like to attend the event. You can select a maximum of 5 people including yourself. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by the Adult.

Step 2: Visit the organiser’s website and provide details of all people who would be attending the event. This step is mandatory. The organisation code allocated to the Chapter and more information will be sent to you as part of registration confirmation once step 1 is completed.

After the completion of Step 2, you will receive a separate email from organisers. All communication will be made by IADF to you directly at your registered email. Ticket distribution will be solely managed by the organisers.

Please note the last date to submit EOI is Friday 28th April 2023.

Best Regards

Australian (Sydney) Chapter of ICAI

• India Today
• Business Today
• Reader’s Digest
• Harper's Bazaar
• Brides Today
• Cosmopolitan
• Aaj Tak Campus
• India Today Hindi

Indian diaspora to host event for PM Modi in Australia during his May visit

The indian australian diaspora foundation will host the welcome event for prime minister narendra modi on may 23, a day before the quad summit..

Listen to Story

• The Indian diaspora will be hosting an event to welcome PM Modi in Australia
• The event will showcase Indian culture in form of singing and dance performances
• Modi will be in Australia to attend the Quad leaders' summit on May 24

The Indian Australian Diaspora Foundation (IADF) is set to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a grand community event in Sydney on May 23, during his upcoming visit to Australia. Modi will be in Australia to attend the Quad summit along with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on May 24.

Ahead of the summit, the foundation has planned a cultural event in collaboration with other Indian diaspora organisations to give a warm welcome to the PM.

Modi's Australia visit A press release shared by the foundation on Thursday about the welcome reception read, “The event aims to provide the large and growing Indian diaspora of Australia with an opportunity to listen to our beloved leader, the Prime Minister of India.”

“Since the opening of the registration process, more than 300 diaspora organizations from various social, cultural, linguistic, business, professional and religious backgrounds have registered to become “Welcome Partners” for the reception,” it further read.

The event will include “colourful” singing and dance performances to highlight India’s rich and diverse culture as per the press release. The venue and time for the reception will be announced shortly, according to the Indian Australian Diaspora Foundation’s website. IADF is a non-profit organsation that works to promote and celebrate India’s diverse culture in Australia.

ALSO READ | As India hosts SCO Foreign Ministers’ meet in Goa, here's what's on agenda

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.

The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

Pm modi to attend 2023 quad summit in sydney on may 24.

This will be the third in-person Quad Leaders' Summit and the first time Australia will be hosting the meeting. The announcement was made by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday. The first two Quad meetings were held in the US and Japan.

Lok Sabha Elections #Elections With

• Uttar Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• West Bengal
• Andhra Pradesh
• Madhya Pradesh
• Other States

Lok Sabha polls: Prestige battle for Ajit Pawar as he makes Shirur personal

Nashik LS seat: Ally dynamics, upset voters & a seer who refused to withdraw nomination

BJP's Murlidhar Mohol vs Congress' Ravindra Dhangekar: No simple choices for Pune voters

Unnao: Will it be a hatrick for BJP's Sakshi Maharaj?

More News >>

Read More News on

Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News.

Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.

Is Elon Musk’s Starlink a dream too pricey for Bharat?

What Girish Mathrubootham’s exit reveals about Freshworks

Once hyped up as Twitter’s Indian rival, Koo is struggling to stay afloat

Tipsy tinctures, a legal loophole and a brave excise official's lonely fight

Two reasons why the US Fed won’t spook Indian equities

Prostate cancer: what the blue ribbon needs to unlearn from the pink ribbon

Find this comment offensive?

Choose your reason below and click on the Report button. This will alert our moderators to take action

Reason for reporting:

Your Reason has been Reported to the admin.

To post this comment you must

Log In/Connect with:

Fill in your details:

Will be displayed

Will not be displayed

Share this Comment:

Uh-oh this is an exclusive story available for selected readers only..

Worry not. You’re just a step away.

Prime Account Detected!

It seems like you're already an ETPrime member with

Login using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits

Log out of your current logged-in account and log in again using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits.

To read full story, subscribe to ET Prime

₹34 per week

Billed annually at ₹2499 ₹1749

Super Saver Sale - Flat 30% Off

On ET Prime Membership

Unlock this story and enjoy all members-only benefits.

Offer Exclusively For You

Save up to Rs. 700/-

ON ET PRIME MEMBERSHIP

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Get Flat 40% Off

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

ET Prime at ₹ 49 for 1 month

Stay Ahead in the New Financial Year

Get flat 20% off on ETPrime

90 Days Prime access worth Rs999 unlocked for you

Exclusive Economic Times Stories, Editorials & Expert opinion across 20+ sectors

Stock analysis. Market Research. Industry Trends on 4000+ Stocks

​Get 1 Year Complimentary Subscription of TOI+ worth Rs.799/-​

Stories you might be interested in

'Little India' to be officially named when PM Modi visits Sydney

(L to R) Deputy Lord Mayor Sameer Pandey, MP Julia Finn, Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal, MP Donna Davies, Sanjay Deshwal, and MP Andrew Charlton. Credit: Supplied by Sanjay Deshwal

Get the SBS Audio app

Other ways to listen, the name 'little india' will become official with the laying of a foundation stone at the area's gateway entrance in sydney's harris park. indian prime minister narendra modi has been invited..

• Little India will comprise Marion Street, Wigram Street, and Station Street East of Harris Park.
• The iconic Indian neighbourhood, which is a drawcard for interstate visitors, will receive a $3.5 million facelift.
• The area includes numerous Indian restaurants and retail stores selling clothes, jewellery, and other items.

Crowds cheering for 'Suki' throughout the race fuelled his athletic success

Most of the community and businesses will dress up in Indian attire. Little India Harris Park Business Association and all its supporting businesses will put on a bright and cheerful atmosphere to highlight a 'Little India' away from big Mother India. Sanjay Deshwal

Migration Review recommends tougher rules for student visa holders

Latest podcast episodes

Reverse migration: Why Indian Australians are returning home?

SBS Hindi Newsflash 14 May 2024:Treasurer Jim Chalmers says there will be a tax cut for all Australians in the upcoming federal budget

SBS Hindi Newsflash 13 May 2024: Anthony Albanese says upcoming budget will be one for Australia's future

India report : Voting for the 4th phase of general elections across 96 constituencies starts today

SBS Hindi News

Source: ABC Radio Sydney | Program: Sydney Saturday Breakfast

Indian Australians prepare for Narendra Modi visit

• X (formerly Twitter)

Indian Australians have booked charter buses, a "Modi Airways" plane and a sold-out stadium in Sydney to welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week. 

Not all are so enthusiastic though.

So who is Narendra Modi, what does he stand for, and why might some not be so keen to get on board the ‘Modi Express’?

Professor Michael Wesley from the University of Melbourne helped explain the significance of Modi and his Australian visit to ABC Sydney’s Simon Marnie.

Professor Michael Wesley is the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Global Culture & Engagement at the University of Melbourne. He is also on the board of the Australia-India Institute.

• Simon Marnie, Presenter

Saturday Breakfast

In this episode

Burger King

All aboard the 'Modi Express'

Indian australians prepare for narendra modi visit despite cancellation of quad leaders summit.

Join the conversation

Download the ABC listen app to text and call your favourite live radio

PM Modi to attend 2023 Quad Leaders' Summit in Sydney on May 24

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi will be attending the third in-person Quad Leaders’ summit, which is this time being hosted by Australia as its first on May 24 in Sydney. 

PM's upcoming visit to Sydney in Australia on May 23 is likely to be held as one of the mega cultural extravaganzas with Indian Diasporas hosting mega reception.  

The Indian Australian Diaspora Foundation- which acts as a non-profit organisation promoting and celebrating diverse Indian culture in Australia is providing a platform for such reception -cum -cultural extravaganza.

PM Modi will be meeting with leaders of Japan, France, Australia and the US and other countries supposedly discussing the ways of stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Prior to Australia's visit, PM Modi is also likely to visit Japan on May 20-21 as an invitation to attend the G-7 summit in Hiroshima. Sharing details, Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale, the in-charge of BJP’s foreign affairs department, said on Thursday that the Indian Australian Diaspora Foundation will be hosting a grand community reception in honour of PM Modi.

He said that the event aims to provide the large and growing Indian Diaspora of Australia with an opportunity to listen in to the PM, who would be addressing them also.

Quoting details from the Indian Australian Diaspora Foundation, Dr Chauthaiwale said that more than 300 organisations from various social, cultural, linguistic, business, professional and religious backgrounds have registered to become the ‘welcome partners” for the reception.

“So far, more than 20,000 members of the Diaspora have already registered to be part of this upcoming reception. Before the arrival of dignitaries, there will be a cultural extravaganza with colourful performances of singing, music, and various dance form to showcase the diverse and rich culture of India”, said the Indian Australian Diaspora Foundation in a statement on Thursday here also to the media.

To date, the hosting unit has received over 100 proposals for cultural performances before PM Modi in Sydney. According to a report, Indians make up around 3% of the Australian population.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics- 2021, the total Indian-born population in Australia is more than 6, 73,352 and the number of people with Indian ancestry stands at 783,958.

Sydney alone, where the PM is scheduled to get a major reception from Indian diasporas, has a population of 2, 30,000 Indians, apart from Melbourne which has a 242,635 Indian population, as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021.

Among Indian diasporas, Punjabi-speaking people are around 2, 39,033, followed by 197,132 Hindi -speaking, 111,873 Urdu-speaking, 95,404 Tamil, 81,334 Gujarati, 78,738 Malayalam, 70,116 Bengali-speaking people besides others

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp  

Download the TNIE app to stay with us and follow the latest

Related Stories

PM Modi Addresses Indian Community In Sydney: Highlights

Pm modi addresses the community members at the event at sydney's qudos bank arena..

PM Modi attends a special community event in Sydney.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park with Vedic chanting and other traditional types of welcome as he arrived in the company of Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese to address Indian diaspora at a community event in the Australian city.

PM Modi is on a three-day visit to Australia. The Australia visit is on the last and final leg of PM Modi's three-nation tour. This is the PM Modi's second visit to the country after 2014.

In his introductory remarks, Anthony Albanese referred to the vast audience and compared PM Modi's popularity to that of legendary rockstar Bruce Springsteen, who is also known by fans as "The Boss".

Here are the highlights of PM Modi's address:

• Be it for associations like Solar Alliance, for building Disaster Resilient Infrastructure or for leading the Big Cat Alliance, India has always acted as a 'Binding Force' to connect different nations
• 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas' has been the basis of our Domestic Governance, and this forms the vision for the Global Governance as well.
• India is a living civilization of thousands of years. India is the mother of Democracy.
• We have molded ourselves according to the times, but have always stuck to our fundamentals
• We see the nation as a family and also consider the world as a family.
• When India decides the theme of its G-20 Presidency, it says- One Earth, One Family, One Future.
• When India sets big targets for solar energy to protect the environment, it says- One Sun, One World, One Grid.
• When India wishes the global community to be healthy, it says - One Earth, One Health.
• In the last 9 years, India has made great strides. We have opened around 500 million bank accounts for the poor people.
• Not only this, actually the whole eco-system of Public Delivery has been transformed in India.
• An amount worth over Rs. 28 lakh crore have been directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries, since 2014.
• The JAM Trinity and DBT have brought a revolution in the country.
• The country which started the world's fastest vaccination program in the Corona Pandemic... that country is - INDIA.
• Today the country which is the fastest growing largest economy in the world is...INDIA.
• Today the country which is the number-1 smartphone data consumer in the world is- INDIA.
• India does not lack capability, India does not lack resources either.
• Today, the country which has the world's biggest and youngest talent factory is...INDIA.
• IMF considers India the Bright Spot of global economy.
• According to World Bank, if there's any country which is withstanding global headwinds, it's India.
• India has made record exports even in the most challenging times
• No matter what the geographical distances are there between India and Australia, Indian Ocean connects us
• No matter different lifestyles are there in both the countries, Yoga connects us
• Cricket is something which has kept us connected for ages...and now Tennis and movies form other connecting bridges.
• There was a time when 3Cs used to define relations between India and Australia, these three were Commonwealth, Cricket and Curry.
• After that, it was 3Ds.. Democracy, Diaspora and Dosti!
• When it became 3Es, it was all about Energy, Economy and Education.
• But the truth is that actual depth of the relation between India & Australia transcend these C, D, E...
• The strongest and biggest foundations of this relation actually are mutual trust and mutual respect; and the real reason behind this is Indian Diaspora
• I am glad that many people from the overseas Indian community in New South Wales are actively participating in public life, making a mark
• In the same year, I had the opportunity to welcome Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Indian soil in Ahmedabad.
• Today, he has supported me in unveiling the foundation stone of 'Little India' here. I express my gratitude to him very much.
• An absolute delight connecting with Indian diaspora at community programme in Sydney
• When I came here in 2014, I made a promise to you that you will not have to wait for 28 years for an Indian Prime Minister. So, here I am in Sydney once again.  PM Albanese is also with me here
• India-Australia relationship is based on mutual trust and mutual respect

• The last time I saw someone on this stage was Bruce Springsteen and he did not get the welcome that Prime Minister Modi has got. Prime Minister Modi is the boss.
• When I was in India in March, it was a trip full of unforgettable moments, celebrating Holi in Gujarat, laying a wreath for Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi
• Everywhere I went, I felt a deep connection between the people of Australia and India. \
• If you want to understand India, travel by train and bus

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrive at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney amid a rousing welcome. PM Modi will address the Indian diaspora here. pic.twitter.com/OnyrLbTs7K - ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2023

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney amid Vedic chanting and other traditional ways at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is also PM Modi. pic.twitter.com/PelqElQcU5 - ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2023

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney in a traditional manner. PM Modi will address the members of the Indian diaspora at a community event shortly. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is also with him. pic.twitter.com/fPvtZoBpep - ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2023

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney where he will address the members of the Indian diaspora at a community event shortly. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is also with him. pic.twitter.com/m63GCxN6aF - ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2023

Immense enthusiasm in Sydney for the community programme, which begins soon... pic.twitter.com/K3193pYLEZ - PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 23, 2023

#WATCH | Australia | Cultural program underway at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive shortly for a community event. pic.twitter.com/nkcvIO3BYf - ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2023

#WATCH | Members of the Indian diaspora express their excitement for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's community event that will be held at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia shortly. Shashi Prabha says, "All of us are excited for PM Modi to arrive. That is the most important... pic.twitter.com/U5RO5zKD6w - ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2023

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi's community event to be held shortly at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. Visuals from the venue. pic.twitter.com/Glg0T0eE8q - ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome when he landed in Sydney to commence his three-day visit to Australia. Among those who had gathered to greet PM Modi included 91-year-old Dr Navamani Chandra Bose who journeyed from Melbourne to meet the Indian prime minister in Sydney, according to The Australia Today. Read more

#WATCH | 'Welcome Modi' spelt by a recreational aircraft's contrails before the community event in Sydney, Australia. pic.twitter.com/d5KhGm6Nm8 - ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2023

About 170 Indian-origin people took a chartered flight from Melbourne to Sydney to attend an event of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Read more

Track Budget 2023 and get Latest News Live on NDTV.com.

Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world .

India Elections | Read Latest News on Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Live on NDTV.com . Get Election Schedule , information on candidates, in-depth ground reports and more - #ElectionsWithNDTV

Watch Live News:

• Subscribe Digital Print

• Nasu murders
• Latest News
• Deep Dive Podcast

Today's print edition

Home Delivery

• Crime & Legal
• Science & Health
• More sports
• CLIMATE CHANGE
• SUSTAINABILITY
• EARTH SCIENCE
• Food & Drink
• Style & Design
• TV & Streaming
• Entertainment news

Fanfare for Modi at Sydney event set to boost image at home after poll loss

Thousands of expatriate Indians thronged Australia’s largest entertainment and sporting arena in Sydney on Tuesday to welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first visit in nine years.

Cheers of "Modi, Modi” filled the sprawling arena as the Indian leader entered alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

"India-Australia relations are based on mutual trust and respect,” Modi said in his speech. "That is because of this strong diaspora, because of you.”

Modi’s rock star-like welcome at the 21,000-seat arena, despite his party’s loss in a crucial state election earlier this month, underscores his massive public appeal among many Indians at home and abroad. He’s drawn huge crowds at similar venues in the U.K. and the U.S. since he swept to power in 2014.

While nonresident Indians or NRIs are not a significant vote base — they can vote in Indian elections but need to fly down to cast their ballot — they’re an important source of electoral funding and of massive social media support for the Indian leader, especially as Modi looks to a third term in office in 2024.

"Isn’t it your dream to see India become a developed nation like Australia,” Modi asked the crowd. "The dream that you have is in my heart too.”

While that dream of a developed nation seems out of reach in the near term for an economy with a per capita income of less than $3,000, Modi has other immediate goals. He’s seeking to boost India’s gross domestic product to the world’s third-largest before the end of the decade by turning the nation into a manufacturing hub.

The main reason for the Australia visit is "the populist one,” said Sushant Singh, a senior fellow at the Center for Policy research, a New Delhi-based independent think tank. "His party leaders go out of the way to highlight how he is respected globally and done India proud on the global stage. The event may be held abroad but the audience is very much in India.”

The Indian leader also greets visiting foreign counterparts with great pomp and ceremony. When Australia’s Albanese visited India earlier this year, the two leaders entered a stadium named after Modi in his home state of Gujarat on a glitzy gold chariot to thunderous applause.

"This visit is really good for the Indian community in Australia. It will be a boost for the relationship between the two countries,” said Ankur Aggarwal, a Sydney-based accountant who was attending the event as part of the Australia Indian Business Council. "The way Modi thinks about the future is very inspiring.”

Despite the grand welcome, the visit was not without its critics and small knots of protesters had gathered outside the venue. Critics blame his Hindu nationalist government for taking a series of steps targeting India’s minority population, especially Muslims, since Modi extended his power with a stronger mandate in 2019.

Before arriving in Sydney on Monday, Modi went to Papua New Guinea to attend the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation summit and met with Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape on the sidelines.

Earlier Tuesday, Modi had closed-door meetings with Australian and Indian business leaders including Fortescue Metals Group Chairman Andrew Forrest and representations from pension fund AusSuper. He tweeted about his meeting with Gina Rineheart of Hancock Prospecting and local media reported that he also interacted with representatives from Bluescope Steel and Cochlear.

On Wednesday, he will hold a bilateral dialog with Albanese at Kirribilli House — a beautiful harbor-side location in Sydney — to discuss trade, defense and geopolitics.

Modi’s visit was meant to be part of a summit of leaders from the so-called Quad grouping that includes Japan and the U.S. That meeting was later held on the sidelines of the Group of Seven meet in Hiroshima, after U.S. President Joe Biden cut short his itinerary to return home and deal with debt-ceiling talks.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also canceled but Modi decided to press ahead with the visit to Australia, home to more than 700,000 people of Indian origin — the second-highest tax-paying diaspora behind the British.

Modi’s two-day trip comes as Canberra is attempting to strengthen its diplomatic and economic ties with New Delhi to offset growing strategic competition between the U.S. and China, its largest trading partner. Australia views the South Asian nation’s burgeoning middle class as key to boosting growth.

Australia is currently not among India’s top 10 trade partners, with bilateral trade standing at $27.1 billion last year — less than a tenth of that between Australia and China.

That relationship is expected to more than double to around AU$60 billion over the next five years, after a trade pact kicked into place last year cutting or eliminating tariffs on a number of goods and services, and gives greater recognition of professional qualifications.

While Australia has emerged as a key source of thermal coal for India’s rising electricity needs it’s also hopeful of boosting its exports of premium wines, lentils, almonds and avocados. It’s also looking to sell critical minerals and hydrogen. On the flip side, more Indian students and tourists are also expected to look to Australia as a destination.

"Our trading relationship really isn’t where it should be and that’s what’s going to be significant out of this visit,” said Lisa Singh, CEO of Australia India Institute. "What we want to see is our trading relationship extend to around the AU$100 billion mark.”

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.