Indian PM Modi meets Australian PM Albanese in Melbourne

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, in Melbourne on Thursday. This encounter marks the second leg of Modi's three-nation tour, which also includes visits to Indonesia and New Zealand.

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The Australian-India Orchestra's soulful presentation of 'Maa Tujhe Salaam' was wonderful. It beautifully demonstrated how music strengthens the bonds between our people.

Upon arriving in Australia on Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi was warmly welcomed by the Indian community. The reception featured cultural performances highlighting the shared heritage between India and Australia. A notable performance was by the Australian-India Orchestra, which presented "Maa Tujhe Salaam." Modi shared a video of the performance on X, praising its "soulful presentation" and noting how music strengthens the bonds between the two peoples. He also complimented the orchestra members for their memorable performance and the global popularity of "Vande Mataram," especially during its 150th anniversary.

Modi also witnessed a unique musical performance combining Australia's ancient Didgeridoo with India's Tabla, played by didgeridoo artist Ron Murray and tabla maestro Dr. Sam Evans. He described the harmony between these instruments as a beautiful reflection of the "deep cultural connect" between the two nations and commended the artists for preserving and celebrating musical traditions.

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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.

During the community reception, Prime Minister Modi observed a Kathak dance performance and later shared photographs with the performers. He expressed his delight in witnessing the "outstanding Kathak performance" and was glad to see Indian dances gaining popularity across Australia.

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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.

Discussions between Modi and Albanese are expected to cover a broad range of topics, including enhancing cooperation in defense and security, trade and investment, education, mobility, and people-to-people connections. Modi's pre-visit statement indicated that the Australia visit would also provide an opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation in emerging and critical technologies, as well as sports and sports science. Following his engagements in Australia, Prime Minister Modi will proceed to New Zealand.

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Delighted to witness an outstanding Kathak performance during the welcome by the Indian community in Melbourne. Glad to see Indian dances becoming popular across Australia.