Narendra Modi Receives Rock-Star Welcome in Sydney as He Commends Indian Diaspora's Contributions to Australia-India Relations

Strategic Insights -

Narendra Modi, India's prime minister since 2014, received a euphoric welcome from a roaring crowd at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney's west as he spoke for nearly an hour about Australian-Indian relations, Indian economic and cultural successes, and the growing Indian diaspora in Australia. Modi's speech was filled with optimism, highlighting the strength of India-Australia ties, which he described as three "Ds": democracy, diaspora, and dosti (friendship). He went on to list popular eateries in Harris Park, a central suburb for the Indian diaspora in Sydney, saying he wanted Australian Prime Minister Albanese to visit these places.

Key Takeaways:

  • Modi emphasized the importance of the Indian diaspora in Australia, stating that "the real reason, the real power is -- all of you Indians who live in Australia" that has developed mutual trust and respect between India and Australia.
  • The event, organized by the Indian Australian Diaspora Foundation, drew a large crowd, with attendees holding up flags and signs, and the arena event feeling closer to a concert than a public appearance by two world leaders.
  • Modi highlighted key achievements, such as the size of India's workforce, the number of smartphones, the growth of fintech startups, and the uptake of Covid vaccines, without mentioning the suppression of free media in India or the criticism of the BJP government's repressive tactics.
  • The Indian diaspora in Australia is growing, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics forecasting the community will reach 1.07 million by 2035.
  • Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of fostering stronger ties between Australia and India, with the opening of the new Centre for Australia-India Relations in Parramatta aimed at promoting connections between the two nations.
  • Modi's speech was inclusively welcoming, emphasizing Indian success stories and encouraging Indian-Australian identity.
  • The event demonstrated the influence of Indian soft power in Australia, with many attendees proudly expressing their identity and sense of belonging.

Statistics:

  • 1.07 million: forecasted population of the Indian diaspora in Australia by 2035 (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
  • 32: journalists and media workers killed since 2014 in India (Committee to Protect Journalists)
  • 2014: year Narendra Modi became Indian Prime Minister
  • 2035: expected year the Indian diaspora in Australia will reach 1.07 million
  • 3 "Ds": democracy, diaspora, and dosti (friendship) defined Modi's Australian-Indian relations.

Sources:

  • Committee to Protect Journalists (no date)
  • Indian Australian Diaspora Foundation (no date)
  • Australian Bureau of Statistics (no date)
  • Indian Link (no date)
  • Photographs by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images (no date)
  • The Guardian Australia (no date)