Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a crowd of 20,000 people in Sydney, Australia, where he praised the “trust and respect” between the two nations. Despite some protests, the event was a colorful display of Indian culture and included the unveiling of a “Little India” plaque to be installed at Harris Park. The Australian Prime Minister also announced the establishment of a new Centre for Australia-India Relations in Parramatta. Modi met with local celebrities, including pop star Guy Sebastian and celebrity chef Sarah Todd. However, not all members of Australia’s Indian diaspora were pleased with Modi’s visit, as some consider him a divisive figure. A sold-out screening of a BBC documentary exploring Modi’s role in the 2002 Gujarat riots and the persecution of Muslims in India will be held at Parliament House in Canberra. The film has been banned in India. Despite this, Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will hold official talks on Wednesday, expected to cover a wide range of areas including defence, security cooperation, and trade. Last year, the two nations signed a historic interim trade deal, and are expected to press on with formal negotiations on a full pact shortly.
Introduction:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia has been met with both praise and protest. Addressing a crowd of 20,000 people in Sydney, Modi praised the “trust and respect” between the two nations. The event was a colorful display of Indian culture and included the unveiling of a “Little India” plaque to be installed at Harris Park. However, not all members of Australia’s Indian diaspora were pleased with Modi’s visit, as some consider him a divisive figure.
Body:
Modi’s visit to Australia was marked by a sea of color and culture as thousands of supporters gathered to hear him speak. The event was held at Sydney Olympic Park, where riot police defused a flashpoint between protesters and supporters of Modi. Inside the venue, Anthony Albanese and Modi unveiled a “Little India” plaque to be installed at Harris Park, a hub of Indian culture in the city’s west. The Australian Prime Minister also announced the establishment of a new Centre for Australia-India Relations in Parramatta.
Modi’s visit was not without controversy, as some members of Australia’s Indian diaspora consider him a divisive figure. A sold-out screening of a BBC documentary exploring Modi’s role in the 2002 Gujarat riots and the persecution of Muslims in India will be held at Parliament House in Canberra. The film has been banned in India. Debate over a proposed independent Sikh state, dubbed “Khalistan,” in India’s north has also raised tensions within the Indian diaspora. Around 60 protesters with yellow “Khalistan” flags gathered outside Modi’s arena event.
Despite the protests, Modi and Albanese held official talks on Wednesday, expected to cover a wide range of areas including defence, security cooperation, and trade. Last year, the two nations signed a historic interim trade deal, and are expected to press on with formal negotiations on a full pact shortly. Modi also met with local celebrities, including pop star Guy Sebastian and celebrity chef Sarah Todd.
Conclusion:
Modi’s visit to Australia was marked by both praise and protest. The event was a colorful display of Indian culture and included the unveiling of a “Little India” plaque to be installed at Harris Park. However, not all members of Australia’s Indian diaspora were pleased with Modi’s visit, as some consider him a divisive figure. Despite this, Modi and Albanese held official talks on Wednesday, expected to cover a wide range of areas including defence, security cooperation, and trade. Last year, the two nations signed a historic interim trade deal, and are expected to press on with formal negotiations on a full pact shortly.
Source: abc.net.au
