Australian PM Anthony Albanese has compared Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to legendary American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, whom his fans have nicknamed The Boss. At a community event in Sydney, attended by 21,000 people of the Indian diaspora, the two leaders addressed the crowd at Qudos Bank Arena, where Albanese was wearing a saffron tie to match Modi.
As he spoke, the crowd chanted slogans such as ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ in support of their “dear friend.” Albanese said that Modi gets a rock star reception wherever he goes. He remarked that the last person he saw on such a stage was Springsteen, and he didn’t get the welcome that Modi did.
The Australian PM recalled his backpacked trip to India in 1991, saying that if you want to understand India, you must travel by train and bus. He added that the people, not the politicians, make the real India-Australia ties strong. He said that mutual trust and respect are the strongest and biggest foundations of India-Australia ties.
During his speech, the PM also spoke about how Indians have contributed to the society of Australia and how they are valued and respected there. He also lauded the Indian diaspora for their entrepreneurship and innovation, which has boosted the economy of Australia. The Prime Minister also emphasized how the two nations share the same vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
He also emphasized the deepening of engagement between the two countries in various sectors, including energy, space, and the economy. He said that the world is increasingly interested in India’s success stories, as the International Monetary Fund considers India a bright spot in the global economy.
In another significant announcement, the PM announced that India would open a consulate in Brisbane to fulfill the long-pending demand by the diaspora. It will be the first consulate of India outside of Mumbai, Delhi, and Melbourne. “It will be a center of strength for the Indian-Australian business and economic cooperation,” he said.
Modi commended the people of Australia for their resilience in the face of natural disasters. He said their attitude to come together in such difficult times is a source of inspiration for the world. He added that the two nations have a unique and strategic partnership driven by shared values, common interests, and a commitment to freedom and human rights.
The Prime Minister will meet several prominent diaspora members in Sydney, where he will lay the foundation stone for a ‘Little India’ gateway in Harris Park, a western suburb of Sydney. The project will include a restaurant, cultural performances, and an exhibition of artworks. It will be built by the Indian Australian Development Foundation, a community organization that supports Indian students, researchers, and professionals in Australia. The organization has already raised nearly $1.5 million for the project. The PM will also unveil an ‘India-Australia Joint Research Centre’ foundation stone at Macquarie University in Sydney.
