Prime Minister Narendra Modi began the second leg of his three-nation tour as he arrived in Australia late Wednesday night. During his stay in Melbourne, the Prime Minister will hold talks with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, and interact with the Indian diaspora. Upon his arrival in Melbourne, PM Modi wrote on X, “Landed in Melbourne, Australia. This visit will add vigour to the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
The Prime Minister received a warm welcome at the airport by senior officials of the Australian government and a ceremonial guard of honour.
At his hotel amid laud ‘Modi-Modi’ chants, the Prime Minister witnessed a series of cultural performances, including a rendition of Vande Mataram and Maa Tujhe Salaam.
In a statement on X, the Prime Minister said, “The weather in Melbourne may be cold, but the warmth of the welcome from the Indian community was truly unforgettable. Their affection and unwavering bond with India continue to be a source of immense joy and pride.”
He witnessed performances, including a special fusion between the Australian didgeridoo, an ancient wind instrument developed by indigenous Australians, and the Indian tabla, a 10-piece symphony orchestra presentation of ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’ and a Kathak performance.
The duet, performed by renowned didgeridoo artist Ron Murray and acclaimed tabla maestro Dr. Sam Evans, celebrated the enduring cultural friendship between Australia and India. The didgeridoo, an ancient wind instrument developed by Indigenous Australians of northern Australia, was paired with the rhythmic richness of the tabla, creating a powerful musical tribute to the shared heritage and cultural bonds between the two nations.
“I witnessed a truly exceptional musical performance featuring Australia’s ancient Didgeridoo and India’s Tabla. The harmony between these two timeless instruments beautifully reflected the deep cultural connect between our two nations,” PM Modi said.
He praised Ron Murray and Sam Evans for their dedication to preserving and celebrating musical traditions. Modi said the Australian-India Orchestra’s soulful presentation of ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’ was wonderful.
“It beautifully demonstrated how music strengthens the bonds between our people. My compliments to every member of the orchestra for this memorable performance. It also shows the global popularity of Vande Mataram, particularly at a time when we are marking its 150th anniversary,” he said.
Modi said he was also delighted to witness an outstanding Kathak performance during the welcome by the Indian community. “Glad to see Indian dances becoming popular across Australia,” he added.
PM Modi To Chair 3rd Annual Summit With Counterpart Anthony Albanese
Speaking about diplomatic engagements, PM Modi will co-chair the 3rd Annual Summit with PM Albanese and engage with various stakeholders to further deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across all sectors of mutual interest, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
In his departure statement in New Delhi, PM Modi had said that his visit would strengthen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“I shall, in my discussions with Prime Minister Albanese, take forward our relations in the areas of defence and security, trade and investments, education and mobility, and people-to-people ties,” he had said.
A brief Look At PM Modi’s Indonesia Visit
Modi arrived in Australia after concluding a three-day visit to Indonesia, where he held talks with President Prabowo Subianto, following which the two sides inked 14 agreements to boost cooperation in critical minerals, maritime security, and other key sectors.
In a special gesture of friendship, PM Modi was seen off by President Prabowo at the airport.
In Indonesia, PM Modi, along with President Prabowo, also visited the majestic Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta, marking the inauguration of a joint conservation project for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From Australia, Modi will travel to New Zealand on the last leg of his trip.
With inputs from PTI