Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese engaged in the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit in Melbourne. The leaders conducted delegation-level discussions to enhance bilateral relations.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, along with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other officials, attended the meeting. Earlier, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome in Melbourne to mark the beginning of his visit to Australia. He was greeted with a Guard of Honour.
During the ceremonial event at the Government House Victoria, PM Modi was warmly received by Anthony Albanese. The National Anthem of India played as Australian forces aligned to welcome PM Modi. Both leaders also took part in the India-Australia CEO Forum in Melbourne.
Albanese welcomed PM Modi and the leaders posed for a photograph. They also addressed prominent business figures from India and Australia. PM Modi urged Australian businesses to collaborate in various sectors of India’s growth story, including manufacturing, clean energy, AI, and the digital economy.
On a previous day, PM Modi was enthusiastically welcomed by the Indian community in Melbourne at the start of his three-day visit to Australia. He interacted with members of the Indian diaspora amidst chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Modi, Modi’. Local artists performed cultural acts to greet PM Modi in Australia.
Expressing gratitude, PM Modi mentioned the heartwarming reception from the Indian community despite the cold weather in Melbourne. He appreciated the strong bond and affection of the Indian diaspora towards India. PM Modi also acknowledged the Australian-India Orchestra’s rendition of ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’ as a demonstration of the musical ties between the two nations.
