At Sydney event, PM Modi hails ‘mutual trust’ with Australia, announces new consulate in Brisbane | 10 points

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, is greeted by Australian Prime Minster Anthony Albanese as they arrive for an Indian community event in Sydney, Tuesday, May 23, 2023. (Pool Photo via AP)

Here are the key highlights from the event:

1. 01

   Vedic chants, dhols beaten for Modi's welcome

   PM Modi was welcomed at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney with Vedic chants performed by priests and beating of dhols. He received a rousing applause from the audience present at the community event. "The last time I saw someone on this stage here was Bruce Springsteen and he did not get the welcome that Prime Minister Modi has got. Prime Minister Modi is the boss," PM Albanese said.

   Exhilarating atmosphere in Sydney!

   PM @narendramodi interacted with Indian community at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. PM @AlboMP and other Australian dignitaries joined PM Modi at the event.

   Gathered in large numbers, the community gave a rousing reception to PM Modi. pic.twitter.com/KF1Hm36QuM

   — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) May 23, 2023

2. 02

   PM talks about 3 C's, 3 D's, 3 E's

   Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, "Earlier, it was said that the relations between India and Australia is defined by 3 Cs – commonwealth, cricket, and curry. Then it was said that our relationship is defined by 3 D's – democracy, diaspora, and dosti. Some people also said that our relationship is based on 3 E's – energy, economy, and education. But our historic ties are much bigger than that. They are based on mutual trust and mutual respect."

   "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 Prime Minister added.

3. 03

   New Indian consulate announced

   "The long-standing demand of the Indian community in Brisbane will now be fulfilled. A new Indian Consulate will be opened soon in Brisbane," Modi announced.

   Recognising diaspora’s role as a bridge between 🇮🇳 & 🇦🇺.

   PM @narendramodi joined PM @AlboMP for the foundation stone laying ceremony of ‘Little India’ Gateway to be built in Harris Park, Parramatta, Sydney, inhabited by a large Indian community. The Gateway will serve as a… pic.twitter.com/y2nCHZ4dL7 — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) May 23, 2023

4. 04

   'Masterchef, tennis, films connect us'

   PM Modi noted that shows such as Masterchef also acted as a connecting factor between the two nations. "Our lifestyles may be different but yoga connects us. We have been connected due to cricket for long. Now, tennis and films are also connecting us. We might prepare food in different manners but Masterchef is connecting us now."

5. 05

   Relationship over cricket goes back 75 years

   "Our relationship due to cricket has touched 75 years. But our friendship is very deep off the field as well. Last year when the great Shane Warne died, hundreds of Indians were also mourning. We felt like we have lost someone very close to us," he stated.

6. 06

   Strength of India's banks

   PM Modi also lauded India's banking system at the diaspora event. "Today, the IMF considers India a bright spot in the global economy. The World Bank believes that if anyone is challenging global headwinds, it is India. Banking system in several countries are in trouble today but on the other hand, the strength of India's banks are being appreciated everywhere."

7. 07

   India a 'talent factory'

   "India has no dearth of capability or resources. Today, India is the biggest and youngest talent factory," PM Modi asserted during his address.

8. 08

   On India's forex reserves

   He also informed the audience that India had made record exports in the last year, despite the COVID-19 crisis. "Today, our Forex reserve is scaling new heights. An example of how India is working for global good lies in our digital stake. You are well aware of India's FinTech revolution."

9. 09

   Felt deep sense of connection in India: PM Albanese

   PM Albanese, on the other hand, spoke to the audience about his visit to India earlier this year: "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 New Delhi... Everywhere I went, I felt a deep sense of connection between the people of Australia and India... If you want to understand India, travel by train and bus."

10. 10

    PM Modi's Australia tour

    PM Modi is visiting Australia from May 22 to May 24. Earlier in the day, Modi had met several Australian business leaders, artists, and intellectuals. He is slated to hold bilateral talks with his Australian counterpart on Wednesday.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thank members of the Australian-Indian community following a community event at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia May 23, 2023. (Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese at the foundation stone laying ceremony of ‘Little India’ Gateway to be built in Harris Park, Parramatta, in Sydney, Tuesday, May 23, 2023. (PTI Photo)