Narendra Modi swings into entertainment mode, as ‘The Boss’ takes centre stage with Anthony Albanese in style on Australian tour
Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena erupted with chants of ‘Modi, Modi’, as the leader of the world’s most populous nation arrived with Anthony Albanese.
Narendra Modi brought the sounds and energy of Bollywood to Sydney on Tuesday night, receiving a rapturous reception from Indian-Australians who flocked from across the country to see the rockstar-like leader.
The Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney’s Olympic Park erupted with chants of “Modi, Modi”, as the leader of the world’s most populous nation arrived with Anthony Albanese to the sounds of high-tempo Indian music.
The Indian Prime Minister embraced Mr Albanese as he took the stage, declaring to the 20,000-strong crowd: “Namaste Australia!”
He hailed Australia’s 700,000-plus Indian community, declaring they were “the real force” behind the countries’ close relationship.
Mr Modi said India was “the fastest growing economy in the world”, and the world’s “youngest and largest talent factory”.
He said the Australia-India relationship was no longer defined by the “three Cs” of commonwealth, cricket and curry, but by “mutual trust and mutual respect”.
“We might be geographically apart but the Indo-Pacific connects us,” he said.
Mr Albanese, wearing an orange tie to mark the occasion, said it was a “joy” to welcome his “dear friend”, with whom he will be having formal bilateral talks on Wednesday.
He said the reception for his Indian counterpart was even bigger than that for Bruce Springsteen. “Prime Minister Modi is ‘The Boss’,” he declared, sparking wild applause.
“I get to speak to some pretty big crowds as Prime Minister, but I have to say the warmth and the energy here tonight is second to none.”
The leaders unveiled a plaque to be placed at the site of a future “Little India” gateway to Parramatta’s Harris Park, while Mr Albanese announced a new Centre for Australia-India Relations would be based in the city - home to one of the country’s largest Indian communities. Mr Modi also announced that a new Indian consulate would soon be opened in Brisbane.
The celebration came just hours after Mr Modi met Australia’s two richest people – Gina Rinehart and Andrew Forrest – and the head of Australia’s biggest superannuation fund, AustralianSuper’s Paul Schroder, with him urging them to invest in India’s economy.
“You have brought the spirit of the world’s biggest democracy to Australia and helped make our democracy stronger and more inclusive,” Mr Albanese said.
“You have strengthened Australian society, bringing our country the benefits and riches of such a beautiful and diverse culture.”
He said Australia’s Indian community had made the nation stronger and was “the lifeblood” of the relationship between the countries.
“You have strengthened Australian society, bringing our country the benefits and riches of such a beautiful and diverse culture,” the Prime Minister said.
With India on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, and the country playing a key balancing role against China, Mr Modi is a hugely influential global leader.
It was the sixth time Mr Albanese had met Mr Modi since he was elected just over a year ago, including at the weekend’s Quad summit with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
The key Indo-Pacific leaders did not specifically name China in their meeting’s joint statement, but made clear references to its “intimidation and coercion”.
Melbourne-based Indian man Srihari Kommineni said “Modi ji”, a former chai seller from Gujarat, was beloved by the country’s masses because he had their interests at heart.
“He acts on behalf of the common people, making their lives easier in all ways. He has reduced corruption and brought infrastructure development to all corners of the country,” he said.
“People feel he is doing the right thing for them. In the past, politicians did what they wanted but Modi understands what the common man wants because of his humble beginnings.”
In a packed schedule, Mr Modi met prominent Australians including Nobel laureate Brian Schmidt, Aboriginal artist Danielle Mate Sullivan, restaurateur Sarah Todd, artificial intelligence expert Tony Walsh and singer Guy Sebastian.
He also held talks on Tuesday with Australian Hindu, Jewish and Christian community leaders. Despite tensions in India between the country’s Islamic community and Mr Modi’s Hindu nationalist government, about 100 Indian-Australian Muslims attended the community event.
Organisers were expecting protesters from the Sikh separatist Khalistan movement, but if they were there, they were vastly outnumbered by Modi fans.
The Hindu Council of Australia’s Surinder Jain said it was a historic occasion “not just for the Hindu community but for our entire nation”. “He is an extraordinary leader and a proud man of faith. We warmly welcome his visit and look forward to seeing the benefits for all Australians of stronger relations and closer trade ties between Australia and India,” Mr Jain said.
Mr Forrest, Fortescue Metals Group founder and chairman, briefed Mr Modi on his plans to work with Indian companies on green hydrogen projects.
Mr Modi urged Mr Schroder to partner with Indian companies, highlighting India’s status as a key foreign investment destination.
The Australia India Business Council’s Vish Viswanathan said trade had doubled between Australia and India since Mr Modi’s last visit in 2014, and predicted another surge in two-way business following his latest trip.
“Australia is taking India seriously and India is taking Australia seriously,” he said.
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