India-Australia Relationship Goes Beyond Cricket: PM Modi

International

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the relationship between India and Australia goes beyond cricket while mentioning the list of factors that are strengthening the bond between the two countries.

“Earlier, it was said that India and Australia’s relation is defined by 3Cs- Commonwealth, Cricket and Curry. Then it was said that our relationship is defined by ‘Democracy, Diaspora and Dosti. Some people also said that our relationship depends on Energy, Economy and Education. But I believe that the relation between India-Australia is beyond this, it is mutual trust and mutual respect,” the Prime Minister said at the community event in Sydney.

PM Modi stated that the lifestyles of the people in the two countries might be different, but “Yoga connects us”. “We have been connected due to cricket for long. But now tennis and films are also connecting us. We might prepare food in different manners but Masterchef is connecting us now,” he added.

The Prime Minister further stated that 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 Indian PM stated.

The Indian Australians accept India’s diversity with an open heart, he said. As a result, ‘Parramatta Square’ becomes ‘Parmatma Chowk’, ‘Wigrum Street’ becomes ‘Vikram Street’, and ‘Harris Park’ becomes ‘Harish Park’.

The PM claimed that the ties between the two countries have completed 75 years. “As intense as the on-field match is, our relationship is equally deep off the field,” he added.

He also said that the Indian consulate will come up in Brisbane soon.

The Indian Prime Minister started off his speech by listing out the achievements made by India. “India excels in running the world’s biggest vaccination campaign. It is also the fastest-growing economy, leading in smartphone data, fintech, milk production, internet users, mobile manufacturing, rice/wheat production, and startup ecosystem rankings,” he claimed.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese greet the members of the Indian diaspora at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. pic.twitter.com/Xyx77mAQGM

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2023

The event, organised by the Indian Australian Diaspora Foundation, was held at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park, one of the biggest indoor stadiums in Sydney which had earlier hosted international stars like Bruce Springsteen and the Backstreet Boys.

#WATCH | People click selfies with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese as the two leaders meet them after the community event at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. pic.twitter.com/jiFlcb6Xnz

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2023

Before PM Modi addressed the gathering, Australian PM Anthony Albanese called his Indian counterpart as the “boss”.

“The last time I saw someone on this stage 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.

As PM Modi’s speech concluded, his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese came on stage and hugged him. They also took selfies with their fans.

Other Key Points Made by PM Narendra Modi

• India has no dearth of capability or resources. Today, India is the biggest and youngest talent factory.
• Amid the once-in-a-100-years crisis, India made record exports last year. Today, our Forex reserve is scaling new heights. Example of how India is working for global good lies in our digital stake. You are well aware of India’s FinTech revolution.
• Last year when Shane Warne died, hundreds of Indians were also mourning. We felt like we have lost someone very close to us.
• Today IMF considers India a bright spot in the global economy. World Bank believes that if anyone is challenging global headwinds, it is India. The banking system in several countries is in trouble today but on the other hand, the strength of India’s banks are being appreciated everywhere.
• I’ve heard that Chatkazz ‘Chaat’ and ‘Jalebi’ from Jaipur Sweets at Harris Park is very delicious. I want you all to take my friend Australian PM Albanese to that place.
• Back in 2014, I had promised that India’s poorest will also have their own bank accounts. Today, about 500 million bank accounts have been opened.
• When I visited in 2014, I promised you that you wouldn’t have to wait for 28 years for any Indian Prime Minister.

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